In the final round of group stage matches, the time is now or never for many nations including Sweden, who have the unenviable task of facing an in-form Belgium.
The Red Devils found their feet with a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland last time out, and Sweden’s test is to nullify and counter that. After Eder’s late goal demoralised the Swedes to deny them a deserved point, Erik Hamren knows his side must win in order to advance to the round of 16.
The time is now for Romelu Lukaku
Forwards operate on confidence, and Lukaku is no different – the nation of Belgium will be hoping his positive performance against Ireland it is a sign of things to come. Marc Wilmots’ public warning to the striker following a poor showing against Italy might turn out to be a masterstroke, and the chance at a further confidence boost against Sweden is there for all to witness.
Much of the hype surrounding Belgium’s star-studded squad has coincided with Lukaku’s rise to prominence since enjoying a breakout season with West Bromwich Albion in 2012-2013. However, his qualities, as abundant as they are, have not fully transformed the 23-year-old into the global superstar many tipped him to become. At least, not just yet.
6 – Romelu Lukaku has scored six of #BEL ten goals in 2016. Cool.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 18, 2016
The forward could find joy late in this match with Sweden compelled to win the contest, which evokes memories of the devastating fashion in which Ireland were picked apart on the counter. A similar performance will see Belgium win, and win well.
Can Zlatan inspire the Swedes to victory?
Perhaps the question is too simplistic, but the fact remains that Sweden do not have another player in the ilk of Ibrahimovic. Aside from having a hand in his side’s only Euro 2016 goal to date, the former Ajax, Juventus, and Paris Saint Germain trophy-magnet has been unable to put in a typically domineering display as his side have floundered with little forward structure.
In order to progress to the round of 16, Sweden must defeat Belgium – and Ibrahimovic firing on all cylinders is central to those plans.
Up to now, the supporting cast of John Guidetti and Marcus Berg have failed – if not for a few glimmers of promise – to lighten the burden. The likelyhood of 194cm target man Emir Kujovic making an appearance in this match looks highly unlikely considering coach Hamren’s preference to play with a lone striker.
Marc Wilmots’ use of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard is key
The Premier League stars are understandably key to Belgium’s chances of progressing deep into the tournament. Their talents, particularly in the second half against Ireland showed exactly why.
3 – Most chances created in #EURO2016:
14 – @dimpayet17
11 – @DeBruyneKev
9 – @ivanrakitic
Architects.— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 19, 2016
Much was made pre-game about De Bruyne switching to operate as a central playmaker, with Hazard pushing to his natural position as an inverted winger.
Both made marked improvements in this match, and despite Wilmots’ history of stubbornness with team selection and tactics, it seems that not even he could deny that his star creators flourished after making this fairly obvious tactical adjustment.
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