Martinez hails value of Belgium second string after win against England
Team Udayavani, Jun 29, 2018, 11:53 AM IST
Kaliningrad: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said he was delighted with his reserve line-up’s win over England that sealed top spot in World Cup Group G and set up a last-16 match against Japan.
Martinez made nine changes from the team that beat Tunisia 5-2 and Adnan Januzaj scored the only goal with a superb strike in the 51st minute against an England team that was also much changed and without Harry Kane.
The debate before the match was about how much either side really wanted to win because finishing second arguably leads to an easier route through the knockout stage. “The victory is a consequence of a very good performance. You cannot plan the ideal scenario, you’ve seen big nations already eliminated,” Martinez said.
“We need to look at ourselves. We are a stronger group than we were before the game.” Martinez said he was “delighted in the manner we won it”. “Many debutants were desperate to be involved and that pleases me,” he added.
“We have a stronger team than we did 90 minutes ago.” Belgium will face Japan in Rostov-on-Don on Monday, while England will play Colombia in Moscow on Tuesday.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Satwik, Chirag doubles pair bows out of China Masters semifinals
Jaiswal’s Perth Simulation: 200 overs in 2 days, inclined concrete slab, lighter synthetic balls
PCB says no meeting with ICC, BCCI officials on November 26 to resolve CT imbroglio
Australia coach McDonald surprised about behaviour of wicket on Day two
Yashasvi, Rahul score half-centuries as India take commanding 218-run lead against Australia
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
21 women among 288 winning candidates in Maharashtra; only 1 from oppn side
Myntra pilots foray into quick commerce with ‘M-Now’ in select locations of Bengaluru
K’taka Bypoll Debacle: BJP’s organizational and strategic failures spark leadership questions
19 injured in serial road accident in Uppinangady
Main accused in Delhi Police constable murder shot dead in Sangam Vihar
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.