General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWorld Cup: Spoiler (Spain - Belgium)
The quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium is at halftime with the teams deadlocked at 1-1. This is the quarterfinal that the US would have been in had they not lost to Belgium.
Belgium started Doku and De Bruyne for this match (neither started against the US, and De Bruyne never came on at all).
Spain has been the better squad for the first half, but Belgium grew into the game a bit, and their goal was a spectacular bit of play - including a brilliant first-time pass from De Bruyne.
Those who watched the USMNT team's loss against Belgium will note the strength of the Spanish team, which has controlled much of the play. After watching the Belgians pretty much toy with an inferior US team, it is likely sobering to see what a strong European team is doing to the Belgians. The Belgians, however, are far from backing down, with some excellent play. If you put this game against the USA-BEL match, you really see how far behind the US is in quality and organization.
malaise
(300,275 posts)This is a well oiled machine with some seriously versatile players.
Your analysis is spot on.
blm
(114,899 posts)in Barcelona tonight. She called awhile ago on her way out. 😁
malaise
(300,275 posts)😀
blm
(114,899 posts)Prairie Gates
(8,833 posts)Belgium already missing their captain Youri Tielemans who was hurt in the warm-up.
maxsolomon
(39,602 posts)Pulisic kicked him so hard he broke ("microfractured"
his own leg.
Prairie Gates
(8,833 posts)Merino puts Spain up with what's surely a game winner in the 88th minute.
First keepers parry flopped too n/t
Reword
Ponietz
(4,771 posts)Er, spiller, I mean.
Lammens.
Prairie Gates
(8,833 posts)Spain advances. Belgium exits with head held high after pushing Spain to the limit and justifying football to the world
malaise
(300,275 posts)Great WC for Belgium