Playing for 90
Fansided

Five things we learned from last week’s international friendlies

By Daniel Mercieca

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Tyronne Ebuehi (centre) of Nigeria applauds after the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Tyronne Ebuehi (centre) of Nigeria applauds after the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /

Kompany could be out of World Cup

Vincent Kompany suffered a groin injury against Portugal, and had to come off only ten minutes into the second half on Saturday.

Kompany overstretched for a tackle and immediately knew something wasn’t right. With his scan set to be in a couple of days, his World Cup availability lies in the balance.

This leaves manager Martinez on edge, as his preparations take a significant blow. He has been risked by Roberto Martinez who included him in the final 23 for Belgium, but whether he will start their opening game against Panama is another matter.

Martinez’s three-man defensive system heavily involves the Manchester City centre half, meaning the previous plans for that essential match against Panama might have to be scrapped just days before the World Cup starts.

Against Portugal, replacement Dedryck Boyata looked functional at best, and the leadership and maturity Kompany brings to the side would surely go amiss.

Though he has struggled to get a decent run together in a competitive Manchester City side, Kompany’s experience at both club and international level also makes him an important man to guide Belgium at the World Cup.

At a pivotal time for the nation, the stalwart defender is a man Belgium require to lead them to, they will hope, more success than in recent tournaments.

World Cup 2014 and Euro 2016 were both equally as frustrating. A peaking team needs to establish themselves among the bigger names, and making that sizeable leap in this tournament is something Kompany surely wants to be there for.

Home/World Cup