Belgium 2-0 Iceland
Belgium took a grip on Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League with an ultimately comfortable win over a stubborn Iceland at the King Baudouin Stadium.
The Red Devils only needed four points from their final two games to guarantee a top spot in Group A2, and this surely is a giant leap towards the latter stages of this new competition. Roberto Martinez’ team is in it to win it, having come close to World Cup glory in Russia — and who’d bet against them?
Belgium is the top-ranked team in the world, so a 2-0 scoreline was no disgrace to Iceland, who defended manfully with a little help from the woodwork. And when Michy Batshuayi hit a close range double, it was no surprise, other than we had to wait until well into the second half to see the net bulge.
Highlights of the game
As expected, the Red Devils began the game on the front foot, playing at a high tempo. They almost went ahead on 17 minutes when Dries Mertens found Michy Batshuayi on the right side of the penalty area, and his shot crashed back off the right-hand post.
Premier League star Eden Hazard had an excellent World Cup for Roberto Martinez’ team, and he is also in fine form for Chelsea. The Belgium skipper had his chance to open the scoring on 23 minutes, Mertens was again the provider but Hazard’s shot from outside the penalty area, but was charged down by the well organised Iceland defence.
The Chelsea man continued to be at the centre of the action, and he had another shot blocked as well as testing Hannes Thor Halldorsson in the visitors’ goal. But the 70 per cent possession and shot count of eight to one counted for nothing as the teams went in level at the break.
Iceland had a couple of efforts from long range at the start of the second half, but Ari Freyr Skulason’s and Hordur Magnusson’s shots were just over Thibaut Courtois’ crossbar. Belgium had more accuracy and Dries Mertens was so close to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick when his shot bounced back off the right-hand post.
Iceland’s resistance was finally broken on 65 minutes and Batshuayi got his reward after coming agonisingly close in the first half. Thomas Meunier put in a superb ball and Batshuayi converted from point-blank range. It was no more than the Red Devils deserved.
As Belgium probed for a second goal, Meunier himself had a shot saved when he was put in by Eden Hazard, but they didn’t have to wait too long before Batshuayi poked home his second from close range.
The hosts continued to pass around with slick accuracy while Iceland stayed in the game through great endeavour but there was never a threat to Courtois’ goal.
Key Statistics
This was a commanding performance from the Red Devils with 65 per cent possession and 22 shots to six, with six of those on target, while Iceland managed just one.
Belgium used the ball well, with 90 per cent passing accuracy compared to Iceland’s 78 per cent. But that is no surprise when you consider the pressure the visitors were under.
Iceland put up a brave rearguard with nine blocks and thirty-one defensive clearances. They will have expected an onslaught from the Red Devils and did well to repel everything thrown at them.
Belgium has won all 11 of the meetings between these two sides and the last meeting, a 0-3 win in Iceland, got their Nations League campaign underway.
And this excellent side has now failed to score in only two of their last 30 games.
What’s next?
The Red Devils are away to Switzerland on Sunday and a positive result there will take them to the knockout stage of the competition. The Swiss have beaten Iceland twice and have six points, but I really can’t see Martinez’ men slipping up. A draw is a distinct possibility against the tough Swiss but a defeat for Belgium is unlikely.
The UEFA Nations League 2018 odds have Belgium as favourite to win the tournament, alongside World Champions France and Spain. You can keep up with all the odds and the latest UEFA Nations League 2018 updates right here at SBOBET.
Meanwhile, Iceland heads off to warm up with a friendly in Qatar, and after this ordeal, they deserve the break!
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