Belgium ran out comfortable winners against England in their FIFA World Cup third-place playoff game between the two sides at the Saint Petersburg Stadium. The Red Devils registered their highest ever World Cup finish with a resounding 2-0 win over the Three Lions, to cap off a memorable campaign in Russia.
Roberto Martinez’s men were rewarded for their swift attacking football as early as in the 4th minute when Thomas Meunier managed to sneak home an early tap-in after he conjured a cheeky run into the penalty area from the right flank that went unnoticed, thanks to Danny Rose’s lack of awareness. Belgium slowly established their control over the game and ended the first forty-five as the stronger outfit.
However, Gareth Southgate responded by making two changes at half-time and England benefited from the breath of fresh air as they pushed for a goal that could restore parity between the two sides.
Belgium’s resolute defending coupled with England’s inability to provide the telling touch in the final third meant that the scores remained intact until the 82nd minute when Eden Hazard doubled his side’s lead following a swift counter-attacking move.
The result helped Belgium register their best ever finish to a World Cup campaign while England equaled their best ever World Cup run on foreign soil with a fourth-placed finish, just like in Italy back in 1990.