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KALININGRAD, Russia: England seemed barely troubled by defeat. Belgium seemed to be a reluctant winner.
That was the curious conclusion of the group stage of the World Cup on Thursday. Neither team needed to win and there were good reasons not to even want to win.
Belgium collected the three points, beating England 1-0, and secured first place in the group on curling shot of Adnan Januzaj. But that might not be the desirable result as the win diverted Belgium on the more difficult path towards the final.
Although Belgium won what appears to be an easier match against Japan in the round of 16, with a win in Rostov-on-Don on Monday. Brazil, Portugal, France and Argentina are possible future opponents.
"I do not think you can plan the ideal scenario," said Belgian coach Roberto Martinez. "You have seen great nations come closer to elimination, or already eliminated."
Through a pair of opening victories for both, England and Belgium entered the G group knowing that they were already in the second round. Belgium made nine changes and won again. England lost first place after dropping Harry Kane, the tournament's top scorer, and seven others.
England coach Gareth Southgate could barely contain his joy of ending up on the less difficult side of the table. His team will face Colombia Tuesday in Moscow, followed by possible clashes against Spain, Russia, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden and Switzerland.
"We do not suffer for (the loss)," said Southgate. "When you're a leader and a manager, you have to make decisions that suit your group and your main goals, sometimes those decisions will be criticized … but you have to think about the big picture."
Southgate It was about making sure that players like Kane did not get hurt in a game that was not essential. Russia's top scorer with five goals watched the match from the bench. Just like Romelu Lukaku, who scored four goals for Belgium
"We do not like losing, but tonight there were other factors that were more important," said Southgate. "We know our best 11, but what's nice is that there are guys who raised their hands tonight to really push for a place."
KEY TO SUCCESS
What could have been A tantalizing match between two strong European teams proved to be a little disappointing.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a premature stop on a shot by Yuri Tielemans. And after a Pickford fumble, Gary Cahill managed to clear a goal line.
On the other side, Kane's replacement to the front for England, Jamie Vardy, tried his luck with a header. Marcus Rashford was closest to England early in the second half, but his low shot was bypbaded by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
If the scenario was to avoid winning, Januzaj did not read it. Taking possession of the ball at the edge of the penalty area, he moved the ball around Danny Rose and wrapped it in the corner of the net in the 51st minute.
RE-EMERGENCE OF JANUZAJ
Januzaj He briefly was one of the most discussed players in the world when he scored twice in his debut at Manchester United in 2013. It has even been argued that he is eligible to play in England in residence.
Januzaj opted for Belgium, but his career staggered. After a detour to Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland, he found a new home last year at Real Sociedad
"In England, I had a lot of criticism, now I wanted to show people that I am here, "the 23 years old … the old Januzaj said. "I do a lot of work."
GROUP DYNAMIC
England ended with the potentially more difficult match in the round of 16, even though the country's national team did not won a knockout match in any tournament since 2006.
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