From out of nowhere, Roberto Martinez has gone and made himself a contender for coach of the tournament. Who knew?
For almost three weeks, the Belgium boss floated just beneath the radar. His Red Devils were winning games, but they were expected to win games. They are the best in a generation, a true embarrassment of riches.
Indeed, there was a sense that Martinez had gone a bit Daft Punk. He got lucky. After his abrupt departure from the English Premier League, he seemed on a downward trajectory. He was lucky to get the Belgium gig. Well, his stock soared this morning. Belgium defeated tournament favourites as Brazil 2-1, but this was no upset. This victory was carefully orchestrated by the unassuming man in the dugout.
He switched to a brave formation that no one saw coming, opting for a 4-3-3 with Kevin De Bruyne as a false No.9 and Romelu Lukaku wide on the right. Imagine Dele Alli playing up front for England with Harry Kane as a winger to get an idea of the risky calculation that Martinez had made.
But Brazil were bamboozled and De Bruyne ran the show, dominating a match for the first time in Russia.
Belgium’s second goal encapsulated their bold approach. Lukaku cut inside, bypassed a couple of confused Brazilians and slipped a pass to De Bruyne, who smashed in a glorious, low strike. Brazil made adjustments, as expected, in the second half, but Belgium held on to ensure this World Cup will definitely be won by a European nation, yet again.
At this stage, don’t bet against Belgium lifting the trophy.
Neil Humphreys
Singapore’s best selling author and Football columnist
