Belgium (National Football)

Belgium wasted little energy on their way to another win in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Friday, beating Estonia 2-0 in Tallinn.

Dries Mertens gave the Red Devils the lead before half-time, and when Artjom Dmitrijev was sent off shortly before the break, Estonia's chances of an upset win were doomed.

Nacer Chadli doubled the advantage after the break, concluding a simple win for the visitors.

Here's a look at the Belgian team that started the match:

11 ⚽️ Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany (c), Vertonghen, Witsel, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Chadli, Mertens, Carrasco, R. Lukaku #estbel

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 9, 2017

And the Estonian team, via Sports Mole:

ESTONIA XI vs. Belgium: Aksalu; Pikk, Kait, Zenjov, Vassiljev, Klavan, Luts, Mets, Dmitrijev, Baranov, Teniste

— Sports Mole (@SportsMole) June 9, 2017

Belgium predictably dominated from the opening whistle, and Chadli headed the first chance of the match over the bar after just four minutes. The West Bromwich Albion man remained active, firing wide after a great run a few minutes later.

The Red Devils kept looking for Romelu Lukaku in the box, but their crosses were a tad too high, and the wingers didn't have the patience to wait for Marouane Fellaini to join him in the box.

It took the Belgians half an hour to take the lead, as a fine cross from Kevin De Bruyne escaped the grasp of goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu, and Mertens took advantage with the easy tap-in.

Football Radar's Alastair Gartenberg was not impressed:

Belgium lead. Not through outstanding play at all. A teasing cross from KDB is criminally spilt by #Aksalu and #Mertens taps home. #estbel

— Alastair Gartenberg (@Ali_Gartenberg) June 9, 2017

The goal didn't lead to more openings, as Estonia seemed content to defend the disadvantage. Lukaku did get another chance after a wonderful pass from Fellaini, but somehow, the Everton man fired his shot right at Aksalu, with the entire goal begging.

Two minutes later, Dmitrijev saw a straight red card for a dreadful tackle on Fellaini, going over the ball with his studs. Per Gartenberg, it was the correct decision:

Game-changer just before half-time as #Dmitrijev is sent off after a studs up challenge on #Fellaini. Can't really moan about that. #estbel

— Alastair Gartenberg (@Ali_Gartenberg) June 9, 2017

Belgium pushed Estonia way back to start the second half, and Jan Vertonghen drew a fine save from Aksalu with a tricky low shot. The resulting corner fell to Yannick Carrasco, who cleverly played in Mertens. The scorer couldn't put enough power behind his effort, however.

Axel Witsel was the next man to go close, volleying wide, and suddenly, chances came fast, with Fellaini and Carrasco both denied by Aksalu within seconds of each other.

Aksalu really had the chance to show his abilities and did so again when De Bruyne unleashed a screamer. 

Estonia tried to push for a late equaliser, but Belgium hit them on the counter, with De Bruyne picking out Chadli, who doubled the lead.

The hosts answered with their first chance on goal, as Konstantin Vassiljev blasted a shot off the crossbar out of nowhere. Despite some late pressure, Belgium kept their clean sheet.

With Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina drawing, Belgium increase their lead in Group H to four points.

Belgium will travel to Estonia for their next 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, as they look to strengthen their spot atop Group H.

The two teams met in November last year, when the Red Devils embarrassed their opponents in Brussels, winning 8-1. Here's a video the team's official YouTube account uploaded to commemorate the occasion:

A similar result isn't expected in Talinn, although Estonia no longer have a realistic chance of qualifying.

    

Date: Friday, June 9

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: Albert Le Coq Arena, Talinn

TV Info: ESPN 3 (U.S.), Sky Sports 3 (UK)

Live Stream: WatchESPN, Sky Go

    

Preview

Belgium suffered a setback during their preparations for the friendly against the Czech Republic, as Eden Hazard suffered an injury that ruled him out of any international action. Manager Roberto Martinez adapted his formation as a result, using a classic 3-5-2 with both Romelu Lukaku and Michy Batshuayi at striker.

The change worked, as the two made life hard on the Czech defence with their movement and raw strength. The friendly finished 2-1, but Belgium easily could have scored more goals.

Estonia opted against a friendly ahead of the qualifier, meaning they haven't played a match together since the shock 3-0 win over Croatia in March. The team has earned just four points in Group H, leaving them in fifth place.

They've suffered heavy losses in Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but their home form has been much better. In Talinn, they narrowly lost to Greece, beat Gibraltar and held Cyprus to a draw. Estonia are expected to face Belgium with a very defensive mindset, and the Red Devils can struggle breaking down disciplined defences.

Usually, Belgium rely on the individual brilliance of their stars in such a situation, but with Hazard sidelined and Kevin De Bruyne struggling for form, that might not be a foolproof plan. The latter was at least partly at fault for the Czech Republic's only goal, when he failed to clear the ball after a dangerous pass from Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois arguably had an even worse outing but should maintain his spot in goal against Estonia. Too often, the Chelsea man has little to do for the Red Devils, and he's the safest bet to make the two or three key saves the team needs.

The 8-1 demolition last year was an incredible performance from the Belgians, but every bounce went their way in that match, and fans shouldn't expect a similar score. A win still seems likely for the Red Devils, who will try to preserve their first clean sheet since the victory over Gibraltar in October.

It's not often you see Romelu Lukaku miss from close range.

The Everton striker would have won the Premier League's Golden Boot this season with 25 goals if not for a late goal-scoring barrage from Harry Kane (29).

During Belgium's friendly with the Czech Republic on Monday, Lukaku made a rare misstep in front of goal and couldn't finish.

Belgium still went on to win 2-1.

Michy Batshuayi's good end-of-season Chelsea form has carried over to international duty.

The striker scored a slick goal to open the scoring for Belgium as the Red Devils went on to top the Czech Republic 2-1 in a friendly.

A Marouane Fellaini header saw Belgium to a 2-1 friendly win over the Czech Republic on Monday at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi finished off a slick move to give Belgium the lead in the 25th minute, but the Czech Republic were level just four minutes later, as Michal Krmencik capitalised on an error from Kevin De Bruyne to score.

Belgium stepped it up after half-time, and the Manchester United man was on hand in the 52nd minute to nod home a corner.

The visitors, having struck the post in the first period, rattled the woodwork again through Tomas Soucek in search of an equaliser.

The two goalscorers took to social media after the contest:

And Another One ⚽ *@djkhaled voice* pic.twitter.com/SsI1lTHUsx

— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) June 5, 2017

Happy with the win - now let's focus on Friday 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/HqbFvUQpX3

— Marouane Fellaini (@Fellaini) June 5, 2017

Belgium will next take to the field on Friday in Estonia for a FIFA World Cup qualifier, while the Czech Republic visit Norway in the same competition on Saturday.

From the off, there was an attacking potency about the Red Devils, with Romelu Lukaku causing a lot of problems for the visiting defence. 

The Everton man forced a fine stop from Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik early on before going even closer minutes later, thudding a header against the post from close range. The visitors weren't getting tight to the forward and were punished on 25 minutes.

Lukaku threaded a lovely pass into the path of Batshuayi, who dipped into the penalty area and thrashed home a fierce shot. Here's a look at the strike:

Michy Batshuayi's strong end-of-season Chelsea form has carried over to international duty. 🔑🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/7Rxr9HzYee

— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 5, 2017

Per Squawka Football, the Chelsea man has been in clinical form lately:

Michy Batshuayi has now scored 5 goals in his last 5 games for club & country.

⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/g7ocWi7kOh

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 5, 2017

The dominance of the home team led to a bit of complacency four minutes later, as De Bruyne ambled back into his own area to collect the ball off Thibaut Courtois.

Instead of moving possession on, the City midfielder dallied with his back to play and was bustled off the ball by Ladislav Krejci. The Czech kept cool to roll the ball into the path of Krmencik, who tucked home despite the protests of the Belgium players.

It nearly got worse for the home side, as the Czechs grew in confidence. As we can see courtesy of football journalist Vince Van Genechten, the highly rated Patrik Schick was inches away from putting his team ahead:

https://twitter.com/VVGenechten/status/871809760890433536

Belgium, as a result, were rather lucky to be on level terms at half-time despite their early dominance in the contest.

A flurry of changes at the break livened Belgium up. Kevin Mirallas stung the palms of Vaclik, and from the resulting corner, the Red Devils were back in front. Fellaini, on at the break, rose highest to divert home Dries Mertens' delivery.

After putting his team ahead, the United midfielder was strutting his stuff in the middle of the park, via journalist Benoit Dardenne:

👌@fellaini pic.twitter.com/igSsnmEnK4

— Benoît Dardenne (@bendardenne) June 5, 2017

Despite falling behind for a second time in the match, the Czech Republic remained spirited and were close to levelling when Borek Dockal headed over when he should have hit the target.

They went even closer to an equaliser 10 minutes from time. Soucek did superbly to manufacture some space on the edge of the penalty area and angled in a pinpoint shot towards goal. Frustratingly for him, the strike ricocheted off the post and to safety.

For the hosts, Christian Benteke came closest to extending their lead, as he saw a low shot palmed away. But in the end, Roberto Martinez's side had to make do with a deserved yet underwhelming victory.

Belgium will play host to the Czech Republic on Monday in preparation for their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Estonia.

The Red Devils are expected to cruise to the finals and have been in fine form throughout qualifying, while the Czech Republic have struggled in their group and sit behind Germany and Northern Ireland in Group C.

With key qualifiers coming up, both teams are expected to rest some of their biggest stars after a long, hard season and instead give some youngsters and fringe players a chance.

Belgium will have to do without Eden Hazard in their upcoming matches after the Chelsea man suffered an ankle injury in training, per the national team's official Twitter account:

Update | Medical imaging showed that @hazardeden10 has a fracture in his right ankle #belcze #estbel #roadtorussia

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 4, 2017

Here are the viewing details you need to catch the action, and read on for a preview of the contest.

    

Date: Monday, June 5

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: 1, Brussels

TV Info: ESPN 3 (U.S.)

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Preview

To say the Red Devils have lived up to the expectations in qualifying Group H would be an understatement. In five matches, the Belgians have scored a remarkable 22 goals and conceded just twice. The only blip on their resume is a 1-1 draw with second-placed Greece, who trail the leaders by two points.

Estonia bore the brunt of the Belgian attack in their first meeting, conceding eight goals in Brussels. The team commemorated the victory with this aftermovie:

The pressure is on the team to perform and make good on their immense promise. Manager Roberto Martinez didn't take any chances, calling up all of his stars and letting none of them take an early holiday―only the injured Hazard, Thomas Meunier and Mousa Dembele are absent for the game.

The Czechs travel to Brussels without similar star power, but they do have plenty of exciting young talents. Patrik Schick has been the main talking point of late following his tremendous breakout campaign with Sampdoria and likely transfer to Juventus.

Per team president Massimo Ferrero, the deal is all but done, as he told Pagine Romaniste (h/t Football Italia): "He's going to Juventus."

The fact the Bianconeri, who have tons of attacking depth, are willing to invest in a 21-year-old with just one year of Serie A experience is telling. Schick is a budding star, as you can see in the video below:

He should have the opportunity to impress against some of Belgium's less-heralded defenders, with Martinez possibly saving the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Vincent Kompany for the match against Estonia.

Instead, Laurent Ciman and Dedryck Boyata could see plenty of minutes, with Youri Tielemans and Leander Dendoncker starting in midfield.

It should be a good test of Belgium's depth, but they should still pull out a win against a solid yet inexperienced Czech squad.

Belgium clash with Greece in UEFA Group H qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as the top-two teams in the standings battle at the King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, on Friday.

The Red Devils lead the way with 12 points in the group, but they will surrender top spot if the Greek team claim the three points in a shock victory.

The home team are without the influence of Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard who has a calf injury, according to Nic Lustig of Sky Sports.

Here is how you can watch the contest:

Date: Saturday, March 25

Time: 7:45 p.m. (GMT)/3:45 p.m. (ET)

TV: Sky Sports 2, Fox

Stream: Sky Go, Fox Soccer 2Go

Preview 

The hosts will have to draw inspiration from alternative sources in Brussels with Hazard missing, giving Greece a slender chance of success with the midfielder's absence.

Hazard did not make the squad for the match and will also be missing for the forthcoming friendly with Russia on Tuesday, per Lustig.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany's injury problems continue, forcing him out of coach Roberto Martinez's plans, but Roma star Radja Nainggolan is back in the Red Devils fold—according to Harry West of Goal.

Nainggolan has struggled to fight his way back into the squad after missing World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Gibraltar due to injury in October, but the manager has once again included his services.

Martinez highlighted the absence of Kompany and his commitment to the cause, per West:

We all know how important Vincent Kompany is for the Red Devils and how important he's going to be for the future.

He wants to come even with one leg, that is his desire and commitment, but it's important that we protect him and we get the benefit from it.

It is important we give him a bit of space and we allow him to get to match fitness. We want Vincent to be fully fit.

Belgium shared their squad details via their official Twitter feed before Hazard pulled out:

📝 Our squad list for Greece and Russia ! #belgre #rusbel #roadtorussia pic.twitter.com/6zywRqV5Uj

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 17, 2017

Greece arrive in fine fettle after a tremendous start to their campaign, winning three of their opening four games to put pressure on the Belgians.

Manager Michael Skibbe's team have been in prolific form in front of goal, scoring nine times in their four qualification games.

However, this is a reflection of the poor teams in the group, with Belgium scoring 21 goals in the same number of fixtures.

Even with Hazard unfit, this should be a straightforward encounter for Martinez's men.

Belgium have developed into one of the elite nations in world football, and with Romelu Lukaku in exceptional form for Everton in the Premier League, they have sufficient firepower in their ranks to put Greece to the sword.

Belgium coach Thierry Henry is to reportedly donate his annual salary of around €50,000 (£42,350) from his new role.

That’s according to Sport/Foot Magazine (h/t Mark Rodden of ESPN FC), who noted the gesture is motivated by the fact the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward feels privileged to be working with the Belgium team, who are second in the FIFA world rankings.

In addition, Henry, who was appointed to manager Roberto Martinez’s coaching staff last week, is continuing his work with Sky Sports as a pundit and earning a healthy amount. According to Rodden, he’ll pick up a cool £4 million per year for his duties with the broadcaster.

Chelsea and Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi has already hailed the impact Henry has had in the national team’s first gathering under the new regime:

Not sure I ever listened to my parents like this 😂😂😂 #Titi #LearnFromTheBest pic.twitter.com/kG3QV5xhLm

— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) August 29, 2016

Belgium are seeking to improve on the international stage after a disappointing performance at the 2016 UEFA European Championship. Despite possessing a clutch of talented individuals, the side failed to jell under Martinez’s predecessor, Marc Wilmots, and were eliminated by Wales in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Henry, rated as one of the finest players of his generation and arguably Arsenal’s best player of all time, is a figure who can help instil some missing winning mentality into the setup.

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has been named as an assistant coach to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.

Martinez announced his first squad since taking on the job on Friday. In addition, the team’s executive director of sports, Chris Van Puyvelde, confirmed a surprise appointment to the coaching staff, per the team’s official Twitter feed:

Chris Van Puyvelde (Executive Director Sports) : “Thierry Henry will be the second assistant coach” #belesp #cypbel #tousensemble

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) August 26, 2016

Since retiring from the game in 2014, Henry has been part of Sky Sports' punditry team. According to Het Laatste Nieuws' Kristof Terreur, it's a role he'll continue with despite the extra commitments he will take on with Belgium.

Henry took to social media to express his excitement at getting started with the Belgium squad:

https://twitter.com/ThierryHenry/status/769121149833936896

Martinez, who was a shock appointment by the Red Devils following his testing spell at Everton, spoke about what he feels Henry will bring to the setup:

LIVE | Roberto Martínez: “@ThierryHenry has been in the situation to change the spirit into winning something“ #belesp #cypbel #tousensemble

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) August 26, 2016

LIVE | Roberto Martínez : “Very satisfied that @Belgianfootball has been able to create an impressive staff" #belesp #cypbel #tousensemble

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) August 26, 2016

The Frenchman joins with a massive reputation, as he is considered as one of the finest footballers of his generation.

Henry enjoyed eight remarkable campaigns at Arsenal, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, winning the Premier League twice and the FA Cup on a further three occasions. The forward then moved to Barcelona, where he was part of the club’s historic treble-winning side under Pep Guardiola in 2009.

He briefly worked as a coach with the Gunners, although according to Hamish Mackay of the Daily Mirror, he departed when manager Arsene Wenger asked him to make a decision on working at the club or in punditry.

Now with Belgium, you can bet Henry will be seeking to pass on some of his attacking wisdom to the clutch of dangerous forwards available to Martinez.

Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph noted a few members of the Red Devils squad who will benefit from his influence:

Thierry Henry named as assistant manager to Roberto Martinez with the Belgium national team. Suspect Benteke, Lukaku and Batshuayi are happy

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 26, 2016

Additionally, Henry will bring something Belgium and Martinez lack: a steely winning mentality. Not only did the forward play the game in a graceful way, he’s a multiple champion and a player who stood up to be counted at crucial points in vital matches.

For all the talent in the Belgium squad, that edge is something that’s been scarce during their last two appearances at major tournaments.

With that in mind, Henry must be considered a coup for the national setup and potentially a hugely positive influence for Martinez to lean on.

After four years at the helm, Marc Wilmots was sacked as Belgium manager on Friday. 

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced the move on its official website, terminating a contract that was set to last through 2018. 

Belgium were considered Euro 2016 favourites by many but were eliminated in the quarterfinals by an exciting Wales side.

The RBFA had the following to say regarding the decision to part ways with the 47-year-old and the impending search for a new head coach:

The RBFA's Technical Commission have made an evaluation of the recent UEFA Euro 2016 and have declared that the intended goals have not been reached.

There is a common sense that the team needs a new impulse to lead this group towards a top result at a major tournament.

The Belgian FA will immediately start the procedure to find a new head coach, in a transparent way. The idea is to start the upcoming games in September with a new coach, beginning with an international friendly game in Brussels against Spain on Sept. 1.

Wilmots also released the following statement via the RBFA website:

Today, we have mutually agreed to turn the page. I would like to thank all of you: supporters, players and staff.

During the past four years, we have accomplished great things:

• From the 54th to the first place in the FIFA Ranking. Today, we are second.
• 2 qualifications as group winners : 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.
• Two quarterfinals.
• We have built a quality group, on football and human level.
• Enthusiastic supporters for the Belgian Red Devils.
• We have put Belgium on the world map again.

We can be proud of what we have achieved all together with the players, our supporters and my staff.

Thank you all for these four wonderful years.

The Red Devils impressively won 34 matches and drew eight during Wilmots' 51-match tenure with the national team. FIFA ranks them as the No. 2 team in the world.

Wilmots' results in big tournaments were lacking in comparison to the talent at his disposal, however, including a 2014 World Cup quarterfinal exit.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes Wilmots' departure is long overdue:

Keen to see how Belgium fare at World Cup without Wilmots. Should've gone in 2014, judging by how he struggled to nail down their best XI.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) July 15, 2016

Belgium's crop of players, including the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Vincent Kompany, has been nicknamed the Golden Generation because of their talent. However, Wilmots consistently struggled to get them playing with the shackles off.

A shakeup of the side's structure may provide much-needed refreshment. As Portugal showed at Euro 2016, the opportunity is there for nations to overcome consistent powerhouses such as Spain and Germany.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.