2018 FIFA World Cup: The first medals in the history of the Belgian national team
July 16, 2018 | 00:07 |2639
Viktor KARDASHOV
BELGIUM - ENGLAND - 2: 0
On July 14, 21st World Cup third-place play-off took place in St. Petersbur. Alireza Faghani (IRI) was the main referee of the match between the national teams of Belgium and England was Alireza Fagani (Iran). Nominal hosts were given the right to hit the ball first and the match began. The fourth minute becomes happy for the national team of Belgium. Thomas Meunier (PSG) put Belgium in the lead. Meunier’s goal came after Romelu Lukaku swung the ball out left to Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich) who burst down the wing and slipped the ball across the face of the goal and the midfielder confidently slotted past Jordan Pickford. 1: 0. In the next six or seven minutes, the team of the foggy Albion attacked a lot, but not very dangerous. De Bruyne should have made it 2-0 in the 12th minute when the ball found him at the back post after a slip-up from John Stones, but his poorly struck shot was easily dealt with by Jordan Pickford.
Harry Kane, the tournament's top scorer with six goals, had an opportunity when set up by Raheem Sterling in the 24th minute but was off-balance as he screwed his shot wide.
The rest of the first half of the match was played at the not high pace. It seemed that the current score suits both teams. Only, in the second compensated minute, Romelu Lukaku’s shot was deflected out by John Stones for a Belgium corner. But the referee blew the halftime whistle before the set piece was taken.
The second half began at the same pace. There were sometimes one-time high-speed attacks of both teams. In the 56th minute, Romel Lukaku after De Bruyne pass handled the ball very badly, which, in the end, went to the guard of the English gate Jordan Pickford.
In the 70th minute, Eric Dier won the battle with Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois and had a chance to equalize, but Toby Alderweireld cleared it from the goal line. Unlucky.
Further, up to the 80th minute, we saw only the attacks of the England team, which, incidentally, did not lead to anything. Well, two minutes later, the islanders missed the second goal. Eden Hazard, midfielder of the London "Chelsea", doubled the lead for Belgium, and, most likely, writes finish to today’s match. This time Jordan Pickford was beaten as Hazard coolly shot it into the near post net to double the lead. Kevin de Bruyne with the assist.
Time is running out for England. And Belgium looked certain for their best finish in the World Cups.
Three minutes added as stoppage time by Iranian referee. And even in these remaining 180 seconds, the Belgian team were on top and tried to sharpen the situation.
There is a whistle announcing the victory of Belgian footballers. Belgium beat England 2-0 to finish third in 2018 World Cup, their best-ever performance, which brings them the Bronze medal – the first medals in their history.
We will be looking forward to the main football match of the four-year period, in which the national teams of France and Croatia will face to win the main trophy of the 2018 World Cup. On July 15, in the evening, we will find out what team is stronger and more successful at Moscow’s “Luzhniki”.
