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In the Football Manager era where all of us are suddenly instant André Villas-Boas’ it was also a remarkable match for those that are obsessed with tactics and formations.
Often in football you’ll see that the side that blinks first and adjusts their tactics to adapt to their opponents might cede a psychological edge. But there’s no doubting Roberto Martínez’s shrewd tweaks pre-game had a massive influence in this one.
Related: Roberto Martínez: ‘My players had that look in their eyes that they could win’
And so we know the first of our semi-finalists: France v Belgium. And what a mouthwatering clash that threatens to be.
But before we get too far ahead ourselves, let’s take a moment to relive that game; an encounter that even the grieving Brazilian coach had to admit was a classic:
“Even with all the pain I feel now and the bitterness, I say that if you like football, you have to watch this game and you will have pleasure if you are not emotionally involved. Triangulations, transitions, saves, what a beautiful game!”
Related: Brazil knocked out of World Cup by Kevin De Bruyne and brilliant Belgium
Written by Richard Parkin and Simon Burnton (later)
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2018/jul/07/world-cup-2018-brazil-belgium-reaction-sweden-england-buildup-live under the title “
“. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
