World Cup 2018 Review: Group G
England and Belgium come into this tournament with varying degrees of supporter expectation (which could work for or against them) but with a common demand for progression to the next round, while Tunisia and Panama are the group outsiders aiming to cause an upset.
Belgium broke all sorts of records in qualifying: they were unbeaten, they got 28 points from 10 games, they scored 43 goals and Romelu Lukaku became the country’s record goalscorer. However, the last two friendlies, and especially the 3–3 draw against Mexico, have left fans, pundits and players worried. True, Belgium were without Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Kompany against Mexico but the replacements could not fill the void. Kevin De Bruyne, for one, did not hold back. “Mexico were just better tactically,” he said. “Their system made our five defenders sit deep and we were up against it in midfield — it was five against seven. If we don’t have a good tactical system, we will have difficulties against countries like Mexico. It’s a pity that we have not found a solution yet.” The main problem is that, after two years with Roberto Martínez, there is still no real defensive organisation.
The Belgian ‘Golden Generation’ is still ticking along, but sooner or later it will have to deliver. The pressure on Roberto Martinez and his men and another frustrating tournament simply isn’t an option. They have wilted under pressure in the last two finals — it’s now up to Martinez to ensure that Belgium finally start playing like a team — and not a collective of talented individuals — when it comes to the business end. Almost certain to progress from the group but the quarter-finals could be their limit again.
How they qualified Winners of European Group H ahead of Greece Preferred system 3–4–2–1
Star player Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
One to watch Thomas Meunier (Paris St-Germain)
Manager Roberto Martínez
Probability to win group 55%
England
The most amazing statistic about England is that they have not lost a qualifying match for any major competition since October 2009. It is an incredible run, covering 39 games, with three different managers in place since the team, then led by Fabio Capello, went down 1–0 to Ukraine. Gareth Southgate has certainly had an eventful year since being promoted from his role as the manager of England’s under-21s. Southgate has moved out Wayne Rooney and overseen a period of change that now has England operating with a younger, more experimental team in a 3–4–2–1 formation. Yet there are lingering questions about whether they have improved since the ordeal of being eliminated by Iceland at Euro 2016. England fans even staged a walkout at the qualifying match in Malta.
The lowering of expectation should not distract from the fact that England have some of the best players in Europe at their disposal — Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford to name a few — while Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world.
How they qualified Winners of European Group F ahead of Slovakia
Preferred system 3–4–2–1
Star player Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
One to watch Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Manager Gareth Southgate
Probability to win group 35%
“We’ll go to the World Cup to learn and compete. It’s an experience to enjoy,” said Hernán Darío Gómez, and he should know: the Colombian has led four teams at World Cup finals. His experience has been crucial in turning a mature squad who had performed well at age-group levels into the country’s first qualification. That feat owed much to the defensive colossus Román Torres, who scored the goal that took them to Russia, and the midfielder Gabriel Gómez, the brains of the operation. It is a team built on solidity, discipline and hitting on the break. Alberto Quintero’s creativity is the key source of chances for Gabriel Torres and Blas Pérez, the most-used forward pairing. Fidel Escobar, Michael Murillo (both of New York Red Bulls) and Deportivo La Coruña’s Ismael Díaz add youthful endeavour.
How they qualified Third in Concacaf round five behind Mexico and Costa Rica
Preferred system 4–4–2
Star player Gabriel Gómez (Atlético Bucaramanga)
One to watch Román Torres (Seattle Sounders)
Manager Hernán Darío Gómez
Probability to win group 2%
After a 12-year absence Tunisia are back at a World Cup but their path was not entirely straight. They sacked Henryk Kasperczak soon after losing in the last eight of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Nabil Maâloul was appointed in April and steered the country to the World Cup, mainly using a 4–2–3–1. The full-backs are encouraged to attack and on the left Ali Maâloul of Al Ahly is key because of how much he contributes going forward. The midfield are dominated by two hard-working ball-winners in Ferjani Sassi and Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, with the MKN trio of Youssef Msakni, Wahbi Khazri and Naïm Sliti adding flair. Msakni, who plays in Qatar, is a tremendous talent and often carries the team. The manager sometimes switches to 4–3–2–1, especially against attacking teams, incorporating the defensive midfilder Ghailene Chaalali instead of Khazri or Sliti.
How they qualified Winners of African Group A (round three)
Preferred system 4–2–3–1
Star player Youssef Msakni (Al-Duhail)
One to watch Naïm Sliti (Dijon, on loan from Lille)
Manager Nabil Maâloul
Probability to win group 8%
Marginless verdict
Belgium are clear favourites of Group G. The team have lots of talented players playing in major leagues in Europe, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard of Chelsea, Kevin de Bruyne and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United and Dries Mertens of Napoli. The Three Lions are not expected to make many waves in Russia, and the lack of the usual circus that usually haunts England at major finals will suit them perfectly. However, it will be interesting to watch last group match Belgium vs. England.
