Red Devils start a new era under national coach Tedesco with victory, thanks to Dodi Lukebakio and Romelu Lukaku

Rear-four system provides stability

It was the topic of conversation beforehand – even when the line-up names were out, it was still a guess for some whether the Red Devils would play with three or four in the back. But Domenico Tedesco opted for a four-man defense. Although it was always three under Roberto Martinez, the formation was recognizable for our defenders: they play like that at their clubs. And it was clear to see that they had mastered this approach and had been trained on it. Belgium was simply good.

Before the break, the Swedes only had one serious opportunity through open play – Wout Faes had to save in extremis. After the break there were slightly more moments when the Swedes came to the rescue, but it would not be correct to say that the organization of the Red Devils was gone at such a moment. The rearguard with four brought the Belgians the necessary stability, it is a good basis to continue.

With this Onana, Witsel can really forget it

With Amadou Onana, there was only one controller in midfield until Orel Mangala came in, but he actually counts for two. The Everton player continued the good line of the World Cup and was omnipresent. He is strong in the duels, (usually) clean in the passing and thinks ahead. In addition, it also has the volume and speed to walk in large spaces. There is therefore no doubt that there is no future for Axel Witsel with the Red Devils. He cannot threaten this Onana.

‘New’ names score points

It remains a bit under the radar in Belgium, but Dodi Lukebakio is having a fantastic season at Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga. He counts ten goals in twenty-four league games – then you are not a pancake. But there was still some surprise that he got a basic place from Tedesco. Next time that will no longer be the case: Lukebakio was a scourge for the Swedes and also linked efficiency to it: two assists. The first came through a measured cross, the second after a good dribble. Deadly.

Faes had said he hoped for more opportunities than under Martinez. He got it and was not disappointed in the least: he could not be caught making a mistake. Theate played at the left back position, which is unusual for him, but was also strong. Even offensively he offered added value. Debutant Johan Bakayoko offered Lukaku the 0-3 on a saucer after a nice action.

Lukaku remains Lukaku: a goalscoring machine

We can be brief here: Romelu Lukaku is a phenomenon in the shirt of the national team. Take a seat: in 105 caps he is now at 71 goals – yes. Just past half an hour he nodded in the 0-1, with his second and his third of the evening he was in the right place. Lukaku was not only important with his goals, but once again you could see how he sets himself up as a leader. Tedesco often used Lukaku to pass on directions, the striker was a big brother to the youngsters. Lukaku has digested that World Cup disappointment well.

Tedesco sympathizes fervently

The outfit was classy – Tedesco could easily wear it to a gala evening – but that didn’t stop him from working up a sweat. The national coach was constantly moving along the sidelines and – with a sense of exaggeration – easily achieved his 10,000 steps. He was also very active in coaching. When should pressure be applied? When are the Devils allowed to temporize? These are things that the fiery Tedesco indicated with simple hand movements. He also occasionally called a player to make adjustments individually.

From the press gallery it was striking how Tedesco does not seem to function as an authoritarian boss. He consulted with his staff before every substitution. Speaking of those substitutions: Tedesco paid a lot of attention to the boys who were taken to the side or were allowed to fill in.

After the final whistle, Tedesco clenched his fists in triumph. If so: he did a great job at his baptism of fire. And that against perhaps the strongest opponent of our group…