Picture Courtesy : The Irish Times
Belgium , one of the favourites for the title at FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, ended their campaign on a high. They finished third in the coveted event after they came out with a clinical display to beat England 2-0 in the third place play- offs . Gareth Southgate’s men finish the tournament at fourth place. England earlier had crashed out of the tournament after lost a gripping semi- final to Croatia 2-1. Belgium on the other hand lost a tough encounter to France – 1-0.
Belgium romped home thanks to two fine goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard . England many chances but could not find the corner of the net.
Belgium have now defeated England twice in a fortnight, having waited 82 years to beat them before winning 1-0 in their group stage encounter.
Meunier, who missed the semi-final loss to France due to suspension, scored after just four minutes before Hazard grabbed a late second as Belgium eclipsed the side that came fourth at the 1986 edition.
Nevertheless, Harry Kane and England should be pleased with the showing when nobody gave them a outside chance to reach the semi- finals.
