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The forgotten positive note from Belgium-Croatia: “Martinez’s tactics were perfect” | 2022 football world cup

The World Cup of the Belgians is over after the 0-0 draw against Croatia on Thursday evening. The Devils kept the best for last in Qatar, but despite a good performance, the vital goal did not fall.

But our analysts in Villa Sporza emphasized that it does not have to be all negative. “Martinez’s tactics were a good choice,” said fellow coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck. “He scored good points.”

“The Belgians played with a four-man defense, with three players in front who had to run a lot and with De Bruyne and Trossard in support of Mertens. We call that a Christmas tree (due to the 4-3-2-1 shape, ed.).”

“Carrasco and Dendoncker always had to go to the flank to stop the double Croatian occupation there. That took a lot of strength, but they did it very well. The plan was perfect. There were so many opportunities to break out in the transition. “

“If the Croatian midfield was not properly covered and the game could be shifted – as Modric can do with a great ball – it could be dangerous. But Dendoncker is physically so strong that he could walk and assist Meunier.”

Martinez’s often criticized substitutions could now also count on acclaim. “The choice to bring Lukaku only after the break was completely justified. After the break, Trossard could no longer walk the spaces, but Martinez had counted on that, because then he started to replace.”

Finally, Kevin De Bruyne also benefited from Martinez’s tactical intervention. The Belgian turntable did not come out at all against Canada and Morocco, but played a great match against Croatia.

“This line-up was in favor of De Bruyne, because he had to defend less and was also always playable in the transition,” Vanhaezebrouck saw.

De Bruyne could also count on praise from Steven Defour. “He was very good,” he said. “Every pass he made forward was dangerous. That’s why the choice of Mertens was good because he could draw the holes that Kevin needs. De Bruyne is a master of finding spaces, he did it fantastic, only the cherry was missing on the cake.”

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