World Cup 2018 is now just a matter of days away and several major contenders have already landed in Russia after they completed their final warm-up matches.
But how are they shaping up? Which players are in form and will the head coaches be forced into any last-minute tactical tweaks?
Here, we review where Belgium find themselves ahead of Monday’s Group G-opener against Panama at Fisht Stadium:
FRIENDLY RESULTS
Belgium began this month with a goalless draw against a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal in Brussels that saw key Manchester City centre-back Vincent Kompany aggravate a groin problem and the players whistled off the pitch upon the final whistle. Egypt, minus Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, were then beaten 3-0 and Costa Rica downed 4-1.
WHO IS IN FORM AND WHO IS IN A SLUMP?
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku is revelling in a superior production line. He struck three times, the highlight coming with a brace and assist against Costa Rica. Dalian Yifang’s Yannick Carrasco is also growing into his left wing-back role. Stand-in centre-backs Laurent Ciman of Los Angeles FC and Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata both struggled in place of Kompany.
When there's only one slice of pizza left 🍕 #ATouchOfEden @hazardeden10 pic.twitter.com/zdiUAWUoWy
— Axel Witsel (@axelwitsel28) June 12, 2018
TACTICAL TWEAKS
Boss Roberto Martinez will not deviate from his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. The only area of uncertainty is the two centre-midfield spots. City’s Kevin De Bruyne is a certainty to start Monday’s Group G kick-off against Panama. A choice – probably dependent on opposition – will then be made between Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele and Tianjin Quanjian’s Axel Witsel.
BURNING QUESTION
Belgium have one of the best squads – yet this statement has been true since the preceding event four years ago. But stories of unchecked egos and epic mismanagement by Marc Wilmots torpedoed the following tournaments. It has not all been plain sailing under Martinez, with De Bruyne airing displeasure about his tactics. Will De Rode Duivels implode again?
