Belgium beat England 1-0 thanks to an Adnan Januzaj stunner. In the Round of 16 the Red Devils will play Japan and the Three Lions meet Colombia.
England rested eight players from their previous lineup for their final group game. While Belgium replaced nine from the Tunisia clash. Rested; is the explanation managers gave. A decision made because both teams have qualified for the next round.
Most noteworthy is the nations’ awareness of their potential opponents. Colombia awaited the second placed team; as well as Japan for the group winner.
Despite beating the Colombians 2-1 in the initial match, the Japanese seem weakest. Yet, maintaining momentum and keeping your first team‘s fluidity is my choice in these scenarios. I am not sure I would change so much of the side.
Besides, it could be Spain in the quarter-finals. Brazil likely await Belgium. The best preparation is to ignore future permutations. Regardless of the sequence ahead.
For example; did you know, more people viewed Roberto Martinez’s side triumph over St. George’s team on English television, than watched the Royal wedding?! Magnificent.
But back to the football; did any of the replacement players perform so well that they cannot be excluded? Here is our player ratings list:
Jordan Pickford: 7.5
Jordan Pickford commanded his defenders well. Unfortunately, long, aimless kicks early on were unnecessary. His aim did improve. Encouragingly, when tested he made his first significant save of the tournament. Pushing away well from a stinging Belgian drive.
He spilt the ball on 10 minutes: now he is being ‘tested’, not in a particularly tough way. Some more brilliant lengthy distribution from Everton’s No.1 followed. Almost sweeper-keeper status. Saved another powerful shot convincingly, late on.