Chapter 94 We Are the Strongest when We Are United

"We have seen the situation in France. We cannot make the slightest mistake. The only way out is to score goals, and we must score goals!" Belgium coach Martinez bluntly stated the main point,

"We must destroy the Chinese team's defense. What France cannot do, Belgium must do! When we launch an attack, each of us must be involved. We need to use speed and determination to defeat them!"

Assistant coach Henry remained silent next to him, and Martinez's words instantly stung his heart.

Because he had just experienced the Chinese team defeating the French team in the stands the day before yesterday. Tomorrow, he will sit on the Belgian coaching bench and watch the match between Belgium and China. He is a famous French player and an assistant coach of Belgium, experiencing two games in two capacities. Of course, Henry's feelings in the two national teams are different. In his opinion, Belgium is now more united and more hopeful than France. He also plays a big role in this team.

After defeating Brazil 2:1, Belgium once again entered the World Cup semi-finals after 22 years. But coach Martinez and the Red Devils led by him will obviously not be satisfied with this. They are eager to go further and win the first Hercules Cup belonging to this small European country.

Of course, to realize this dream, the Belgian team must first eliminate the Chinese team, which also aims to win the championship, in the semifinals. Meeting on a narrow road, this game means a competition in technology, tactics and psychology.

Martinez did a pretty good job in this World Cup, and he even suppressed internal strife.

During major competitions such as the World Cup, even though the stars gather together, Belgium is often nicknamed the "pseudo-powerful team." This has a lot to do with their tradition of internal strife. These two words are like a time bomb that always affects this team.

Wilmots served as the team's head coach during the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Cup. At that time, there was little teamwork in the Belgian team, and they always fought independently on the offensive end. The big-name stars in the frontcourt could only complete some of the simplest offensive routines. Especially when encountering adversity, the team did not have the ability to adapt to changes. There are even technical statistics on the Internet that De Bruyne and Hazard never pass the ball to each other.

All this has changed a lot since coach Martinez took office.

First of all, Martinez abandoned Serie A core midfielder Nainggolan, excluding this source who often disrupted the harmony in the locker room from the roster. Subsequently, he invited the legendary French star Henry to be his assistant coach. In addition to providing technical guidance, Henry's strong personal aura played a role in shocking the locker room. Half of the Belgian players were even his fans. Martinez himself also said that the most important thing Henry brought to Belgium was at the level of competition and experience and psychological guidance.

Is the current Belgian team united? Before the start of the game against Brazil, De Bruyne said this: "The most important thing coach Martinez brings to us is integrity. We understand that we must cooperate with each other to win the game together. We didn't believe in each other before. We didn’t believe we could win the championship, but now we are full of confidence and hope to get to the end.”

Even before he took over the Belgian team, Martinez was aware of the talent in his players. Belgian players are very unique, they all play with their brains, but he hopes they can understand the importance of team football.

And Martinez responded quickly to tactical adjustments. After learning the lesson against Japan, Martinez made a decisive change in the last game against Brazil, abandoning the long-standing 3-center-back formation and replacing it with a more defensive 4-3-3. Fellaini started to strengthen air defense and interception, and De Bruyne's position was changed from defensive midfielder to shadow forward. De Bruyne, who had previously been responsible for more defensive tasks, unleashed his talents on the offensive end. He teamed up with Hazard and Luka The forward trident formed by Ku made Brazil's defense players miserable. Facts have proved that Martinez's change has received good results.

Whether to stick to the familiar 3-4-3 or continue to use a 4-3-3 lineup was the most discussed topic before the game around Belgium's tactical design.

Martinez has yet to decide what formation to use.

The 3-back lineup is a difficult formation to use. It allows the players to give full play to their talents on the offensive end, but at the same time, it is easy for opponents to find opportunities in the backcourt.

Many people believe that it may be more beneficial for Belgium to continue to use the 4-3-3 lineup against Brazil and use defensive counterattack as a strategy. But Belgium has a huge disadvantage. Meunier will not be able to play due to the yellow cards he received in the last game. He is Belgium's only right back. If the 4-back system is used, Martinez may only be able to use the center back as a right back, which is also a particularly risky choice.

Facing China, what tactical adjustments Martinez will make will determine the fate of the Belgian team.

"Boss, I think since we can't defend ourselves, let's use more players to join the attack, right?" De Bruyne, the core midfielder, suddenly said.

"As long as we are united enough and have one heart, we can beat the Chinese team with goals."

"Eden, what's your opinion?" De Bruyne looked at Hazard. The two people used to be inseparable, but in this World Cup, their relationship has become very good.

Azar stroked his stubby beard on his chin and nodded, "I also think we have to launch a fierce attack. Maybe we can solve the problem in the first half hour, if we are determined enough."

"No one among the three of us can fall behind. We attack together and retreat together on defense. As long as we do this, they can't do better than us!"

Everything, for the dream of championship!

"Yes, we must be more united, we are invincible when united!" Goalkeeper Courtois also made a voice standing behind all his teammates.

"Instead of worrying about the Chinese Dong, it is better to burn the artillery fire into their backcourt and make them scared. I believe that your offensive ability is much stronger than theirs, and I also believe that you can defend well at the first time, and then ," Courtois patted his chest, "I'm still behind you! I will try my best."

"Unity,"

"Unite!"

"Unite!"

"We are the strongest when we are united! We are fearless and we will be invincible!"

…

…

Coach Martinez looked around at his disciples and felt infinite pride in his heart. This is the Belgian team he wants to see. This Belgium will surely amaze the world!

"good,"

"We will fight 343 and fight the Chinese team!"