For the second time at the 2018 World Cup, Belgium has defeated England. After beating the Three Lions 1-0 in the group stage, the Red Devils did it again, winning 2-0 on Saturday in the third-place match. The Belgians earned their highest World Cup finish by beating England, 2-0, in the third-place match on Saturday. Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard each scored a goal. “These players didn’t want to rely on talent anymore, wanted to work as a team,” Belgium Coach Roberto Martínez said. “Their standards have been magnificent. They wanted to make the country proud, every single Red Devils fan proud.”
France and Croatia will play in the final on Sunday at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The French beat Belgium on Tuesday in the semifinals, while the Croats defeated England on Wednesday. After falling a step short in the semifinals, the teams battled for bronze but it was all Belgium. Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne drove England wild on the counter attack, as Gareth Southgate’s team struggled to do much despite having more of the ball and 15 shots, putting five on frame. And the winning goal would come early. Just four minutes in, Thomas Meunier would score the winner on an assist from Nacer Chadli with a fine finish in front of goal: England had a great opportunity to even the score in the 70th minute with a chip past Thibaut Courtois, but Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld flew into the picture to save the day.
Belgium made it 2-0 on 82 minutes as Hazard got his with this fine finish inside the box: The victory gives Belgium its best-ever finish at World Cup and builds a bit more momentum moving forward. England, meanwhile, continued to struggle in attack and provide enough clear chances for striker Harry Kane. With their participation completed, both teams figure to be favorites at Euro 2020 alongside France, who play in the World Cup final on Sunday against Croatia.
