FIFA World Cup 2018: Belgium impose 1-0 against England

Former Manchester United midfielder Januzaj opened the scoring with a superb curling effort in the 51st minute. (Source: Reuters)

It had been considered the match that no one wanted to win but the beautiful end of Adnan Januzaj early in the second period gave Belgium a 1-0 win against the US. England to secure first place in Group G The result means that Belgium, which won its three group matches to finish on nine points, will face Japan in the round of 16 while England, which finished second with six, will face Colombia. 19659004] The whole pre-match debate was about the fact that second place could offer an easier path to the semi-finals, as the group winners could face Brazil in the last eight.

Defeat can bring some consolation, as it offers a quarter-final against Sweden or Switzerland rather than Brazil or Mexico, which could wait for Belgium.

There is something presumptuous with a lot of talent, that it will not appreciate to be considered part of an 'easier' way & # 39; towards the quarter-finals.

But when Belgium and England enter the field, in the round of 16, the teams will have little resemblance to those lined up on Thursday. As expected, the two leaders have used their teams to the maximum – the Belgian Roberto Martinez has changed nine players and Southgate has removed eight of his reserves, a decision he described as "uncomplicated" in the circumstances.

Belgium created the best openings in a difficult first period while England showed greater urgency but lack of finesse in the last third.

Former Manchester United midfielder Januzaj opened the scoring. The manner of the goal celebration should have silenced all fears that Martinez's team was not interested in the victory.

England then looked for an equalizer but, without their Isman rest Harry Kane lacked a sharp edge.

Marcus Rashford had the best chance but his shot was wide off the target when Thibaut Courtois gave his fingertips to the ball.

Belgium was coming close to a second goal in the final minutes when Jordan Pickford made a fine, diving save to prevent a rude effort from Dries Mertens.

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