Belgium was
looked at by many as the possible Cinderella story of this tournament and when all
signs pointed towards them turning into a pumpkin, Wilmots pulled two rabbits
from his hat in his best magic trick of the day.
There were
so many expectations on this Belgian side that somehow it felt like they had too much weight on their shoulders. Going into their opening game against Algeria
today, it was obvious that the pressure was there. So much pressure on such a young and unproven side is bound to show its ugly head somewhere, and this is
where an experienced coach like Wilmots needs to come in and throw some water
on the fire.
The fire was
burning and it went into a full 5 alarm blaze at the 25th minute mark
when Vertonghen fouled Feghouli in the penalty box. Feghouli would put it away
and give Algeria a surprising lead in the game. At this point the ghost, goblins
and all of the worst nightmares possible and imaginable were starting to creep
into the minds of the Belgium players. So much hype, so much talent and down one goal at the halfway point of the first half, was too much for some, or so it
looked.
Wilmots was
the last man to have scored for Belgium at a World Cup, it happened many moons
ago in the 2002 World Cup against Russia. So if there is a Belgian on that
field that won’t fold like a cheap $2 waffle is Wilmots.
He makes three bold substitutions, perhaps bold is a strong
word, since his teams is down a goal and are considered by many as one of the
most talented teams in the tournament. Let’s call it astute. I am not a big fan
of forwards turning coaches, but that is an argument for another day and another
write up, but on this day Wilmots acted like a chocolatier, looked at his bench
and opened up a box of the best Belgian chocolates his country had to offer.
From that box he pulls out Mertens, Origi and Fellaini, and those my friends
are three of the best chocolates Belgium had to offer on that bench.
I was surprised that he didn't start Fellaini and Dembele
together, but that was not important at this time, because we were about to whiteness
a quick turn of events, when doom and gloom was all but predicted by those pundits
on TV and radio.
Fellaini
scores an incredible header at 70th minute mark, 5 minutes after he
had been subbed on. If that is not the Midas touch by Wilmots I am not sure
what it is. The goal is incredible, the hang time would make Michael Jordan
proud, and the hair on Fellaini would make him jealous.
Ten minutes
later and Mertens scored the go ahead goal. Another one of Wilmots bench
chocolates had scored and for the first time in the game Belgium was up 2-1 on
Algeria.
Belgium hadn’t
played well, but for how little Algeria did, the lead was deserved. At this
point it was almost like you could hear Wilmots say “Serenity Now”. The most
important thing was done, now let’s not blow it. Belgium would hold on to the 2-1
result and win this game. They have given hope to those that want to see them
become the Cinderella story of this tournament, and not the ugly pumpkin.
Everybody
loves an underdog, and while Belgium is too good to be an underdog, they are a
young and unexperienced team, but in their coach they have the wisdom and
leadership that they need.
Today’s game
was their first step on the big stage, and while they showed some stage fright
and jitters, they did not crumble or gave up.
Wilmots will
have to make sure this Cinderella does not lose their slipper in the following
matches.
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