Mission
accomplished for Belgium. After missing the 2006 edition in Germany and 2010 in
South Africa, the selection of Marc Wilmots qualified Friday for its twelfth
final phase of the World Cup. The Belgians were in an ideal position with two
games at the end of the playoffs. They only needed a point to validate their
ticket to Brazil. They did not prolong the suspense, winning with the way in
Croatia (2-1). Technically far superior to their opponents, the Red Devils were
rarely questioned in the first half, conceding a first opportunity in stoppage
time (45th one). But Thibault Courtois flew to head out Mario Mandzukic .
The
Belgians already led 2-0 thanks to a brace from one of their signs, the
so-called Romelu Lukaku . The Chelsea striker , on loan to Everton this season
, opened the scoring with composure. Launched in depth Defour, very happy to
see the Croatian Perisic give him a pass in midfield, Pletikosa Lukaku set to
open the scoring (15th). He doubled the lead twenty minutes later. Launched
this time by Witsel in his own half, the powerful center-forward Kovacic has
stood right in front of the Croatian goalkeeper (37th). Armed with this advantage,
the Belgians then left the ball in play against Croats. They almost triple the
bet, but Pletikosa is interposed before Marouane Fellaini, who played the
entire game despite the injury to ligaments in his left wrist that will soon be
made (77).
Croats
can still play dams
In the
rain, Igor Stimac men were slightly more enterprising in the second period, but
the keeper of Atletico Madrid, also loaned by Chelsea, is interposed before
Kalinic and Strinic (48th). Nevertheless, he missed out on a corner (79th), but
Fellaini was alert to clear the ball. Mario Mandzukic had another opportunity,
but he completely missed his shot (82). It is finally Niko Kranjcar has reduced
the score of a powerful rally the left (83). Belgium is the eleventh country to
qualify for the World Cup. Croats still have the opportunity to join them; they
are assured of finishing in second place in Group A and can still play dams on
15 and 19 November.
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