Belgium travelled to neighbours Netherlands for a much anticipated international friendly on Wednesday. All eyes were on the stars of Belgium to produce another exhilarating display under Roberto Martinez, whose reign has produced high scoring games thus far from the Belgians.
The game saw Hazard brothers Eden and Thorgan take the field together for Belgium for the first time in their careers. Twitter was full of hype and anticipation for the game in store.
Well, the dream of the Hazard’s becomes true: Eden and Thorgan playing for Belgium. First time they are playing together. #cfc
— Kristof Terreur ? (@HLNinEngeland) November 9, 2016
First of many to come playing together. #HazardBrothers ⚠ pic.twitter.com/sYf3P2gFTe
— Hazard Stuff (@HazardStuff) November 9, 2016
The Hazard brothers on the same pitch for Belgium tonight, hope to see that at Chelsea one day.
— Simply Hazard (@DareToHazard) November 9, 2016
Even as Thorgan Hazard sizzled in his first start for his nation, Eden failed to match his younger brother. Thorgan was, arguably, the best player on the pitch and Twitter did not fail to notice his contribution.
Thorgan Hazard’s 1st assist for Belgium!
— Hazard Stuff (@HazardStuff) November 9, 2016
In case you’re wondering if Thorgan Hazard can make it in the Prem, he just had van Dijk on strings doing the hippity hop with Özil eyes.
— #CarefreeDaily ? (@CarefreeDaily) November 9, 2016
Thorgan Hazard’s been Belgium’s best player. Been more dangerous than Eden & Kevin combined to be fair.
— #CarefreeDaily ? (@CarefreeDaily) November 9, 2016
Manchester City player Vincent Kompany was named in the starting lineup but was withdrawn before the start of the match and was replaced with Christian Kabasele. It was later revealed that, even though he was withdrawn, he had not suffered any injury. However, that did not prevent Twitter from bringing out the metaphorical pitchforks.
Vincent Kompany has been injured in tonight’s warmup.
Just retire now mate, seriously.
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 9, 2016
Named in the starting XI, withdrawn before kick-off
The wait goes on for Vincent Kompanyhttps://t.co/X1ZdDyaopz pic.twitter.com/LMNg54wb3w
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 9, 2016
Since playing 50 games in one season:#PL apps:
11/12 – 31
12/13 – 26
13/14 – 28
14/15 – 25
15/16 – 14
16/17 – 1Decline. #MCFC #Kompany pic.twitter.com/lhEHzeuGvx
— Eastbridge (@Eastbridge_SB) November 10, 2016
Kompany is falling apart
— Marc Gallagher (@mgallagher941) November 10, 2016
I feel sorry for Vincent kompany. The problem is when he’s fit he can only play small amount of time especially for a footballer.
— ᴹᵃᵍᶤᶜᵃˡ ᴹᵉˢˢᶤ (@Magical_Messi10) November 10, 2016
Even though Thorgan Hazard shone on the day, Yannick Carrasco outshone him, albeit by a small extent, and Twitter produced the stats that show Carrasco’s growth into a top attacker.
.@CarrascoY21: MotM vs Netherlands, Rating 8.09, Goals, 1, Shots 3, Dribbles 4, Key Passes 1, Tackles 1 @BelRedDevils @Belgianfootball pic.twitter.com/W90gGebaub
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 9, 2016
Yannick Carrasco last 10 games:
7 goals
2 assissts pic.twitter.com/AaX6WWHjHv— Berita BOLA Semasa (@BBSemasa) November 10, 2016
Yannick Carrasco: Has directly contributed to 9 goals in his last 7 apps for club and country (7 goals, 2 assists) #nedbel
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 9, 2016