Tactical Analysis: Belgium vs. Russia

The Saint Petersburg Stadium was around half-capacity as Russians gathered to watch their nation take on the world number one in their Euro 2020 opener. The two sides took the same path in qualifying for the tournament, being pitted in Group I in the qualification stage for the tournament. Belgium swept the Russians aside comfortably in both encounters during qualifying.

It was an all too similar story for Belgium as it took just ten minutes to kickstart their Euro 2020 campaign. Dries Mertens’ cross in from the right looked to be an easy one to handle for Russia’s backline, but Andrei Semenov’s mess of a clearance bounced straight to Romelu Lukaku. The Inter Milan striker guided the ball past Anton Shunin to make it 1-0. 

Russia’s best chance of the game came just four minutes after going a goal behind. Aleksandr Golovin’s corner was met by Mario Fernandes, who couldn’t direct his header either side of Thibaut Courtois, making it all too comfortable for the Belgian goalkeeper. Belgium came close to punishing Russia for their missed opportunity in the 24th minute. Romelu Lukaku continued his bullying of Russia’s back line, gathering the ball near the half-way line and leaving defenders in his wake, before Fernandes’ last-ditch challenge thwarted the striker’s effort. 

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