FIFA World Cup 2018: Belgium Maintain 100% Win Record, Defeat England

Two teams who have scored a lot of goals collided with each other on Thursday at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. England vs Belgium was an intriguing came and ended with a scoreline of 0-1.

Both the teams had qualified for the Round of 16, given they had won the previous two games. Emphatic victories were also part of their campaign. Now, the two European giants met to see who took the top spot. Even though when the other tables are looked at, it is seen that the team who will finish second in this group, will be better off for the rest of the tournament. The footballing fans hoped that this fact wouldn’t deter these teams from playing their game, and they prays were answered.

The management had sent out completely new teams, in hopes of protecting their players for the knockout phase. Still, the interchange between these two was delightful, and it was a competitive contest.

Initially, it appeared that the teams were a bit tentative. Nobody wanted to take risks unnecessarily. The first half saw a lot of action, but no end result and ended up being goalless.

However, the second half had a different story. Belgium scored in the 51st minute through Adnan Januzaj. He is a former Manchester United player and interestingly had the opportunity to represent England while he trained in the country. A beautiful shot that swerved past everyone and in the back of the net meant that if Belgium held on, they will be the winners of this group.

Meanwhile, England wasn’t going to make it that easy for the Red Devils. Gareth Southgate made tactical changes and made sure his players attacked. He knew how complacency of one game can affect in future. He was making sure the team still knows that winning is still their objective.

Regardless of their efforts, the Three Lions were unable to breach the Belgium defensive line. England suffered their first defeat in over a year, but in theory have got a better route to the semi-finals now.

While they take on Colombia in the Round of 16, Belgium will face the Asian side in Japan.