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OPINION: Belgium’s orchestra has quality, but needs to change its director
On the other hand, Belgium boss Marc Wilmots was the man to be blamed for Belgium’s poor display. The Diable Rouges head coach blamed Italy’s defensive mentality after the game, but his justifications have only increased tensions between him and fans.
How can one of the favourite teams to win EURO 2016 being unaware of Italy’s identity? How can Wilmots not know that Italy’s style of play is mainly based on a solid-rock defence and pacey counterattacks? Wilmots should admit his mistakes rather than diminishing the work of the azzurri and not accepting the lesson given to him by Conte.
Belgium were unable to keep the ball possession and they were an unconvincing force when playing down both flanks. Even the input of Dries Mertens did not increase the team’s unpredictability in Italy’s final third. They could only create troubles through counterattacks (Lukaku) and with high balls played over Italy’s defence. Definitely not enough for a team that can rely on the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne.
The Chelsea star is Belgium’s captain but he doesn’t have the pedigree of the leader, de Bruyne has been showing a tendency to disappear from games, Witsel can only play as halfaback. Belgium golden generation could not compete against the worst Italian squad for decades. Belgium’s orchestra has quality, but they might need to change director if they want to play better music.
Federico Zanon @FedeZaonon15, translated by Lorenzo Bettoni @lorebetto
