BerkeleyBernie
Senior Member
STILL want to see Belgium break out of a trot; does their physio have them all on Valium? De Bruyne, Oriki, Lukaku, Mirallas- all trying to inject some tempo into the game. One could say Belgium is smart playing conservatively, probably been the least physically stretched of the quarterfinalists, but they would have saved themselves the extra half hour if they had put the game to bed in regular time. Credit to USA (especially the spot-on Tim Howard, who barely missed another kick save on the first goal), but one can't help but think that, with a little more edge, Belgium could have broken through earlier, despite the parked bus. A little quicker movement of the ball in transition, and they could have created much less tame opportunities.
Tim Howard was excellent, but Belgium rarely unlocked the USA defense; most shots were right at Howard from outside without much heat. The one excellent piece of play in regular time was the Oriki through ball to Mirallas, putting him through 1v1 with Howard. Maybe it's because their creativity is isolated out on the wings? Hazard and Mertens can't expect much creative combination from the fullbacks Vertonghen and Alderweireld, and the central midfielders, though solid, aren't any more helpful. When Belgium penetrated on the wings (often), they still carried on with the same steady jogging pace; once past one's marker, one would expect a player to up their intensity to penetrate, but they continued as before, like it was a practice match. A bit baffling. I hope, against Argentina, we'll see an edge to Belgium that has been missing (or, as yet, unnecessary).
Tim Howard was excellent, but Belgium rarely unlocked the USA defense; most shots were right at Howard from outside without much heat. The one excellent piece of play in regular time was the Oriki through ball to Mirallas, putting him through 1v1 with Howard. Maybe it's because their creativity is isolated out on the wings? Hazard and Mertens can't expect much creative combination from the fullbacks Vertonghen and Alderweireld, and the central midfielders, though solid, aren't any more helpful. When Belgium penetrated on the wings (often), they still carried on with the same steady jogging pace; once past one's marker, one would expect a player to up their intensity to penetrate, but they continued as before, like it was a practice match. A bit baffling. I hope, against Argentina, we'll see an edge to Belgium that has been missing (or, as yet, unnecessary).
