It was a memorable night for Michy Batshuayi as Belgium secured a narrow 2-1 win over Switzerland in a friendly on Wednesday.
Belgium kick-started their international window with a narrow 2-1 win over Switzerland in a friendly on Wednesday. And much like the scoreline suggests, it was a tough game for the home side, who conceded an early goal through Admir Mehmedi.
The goal gave Switzerland the ideal incentive to sit deeper, though unfortunately for them, a poor pass from centre-back Loris Benito was intercepted as Belgium eventually equalised, minutes into the second half. They have been a bit lucky, however, as Michy Batshuayi, who scored the goal, looked to be in an offside position when receiving the pass.
The hosts did dominate the game afterwards, but clear cut chances came few and far between. In fact, they also managed to muster two shots on goal throughout the game, though to their fortune, Batshuayi found the winner with that second effort in goal, in the 70th minute.
It was enough to seal the victory for the number one ranked team in the world. The Swiss did create more chances, but were unable to find the back of the net, ultimately leading to their demise in the end. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over the Belgian players following their win over Switzerland on Wednesday.
Simon Mignolet: 7.5/10
Simon Mignolet was excellent in goal for Belgium after conceding the early goal. He remained sharp throughout the night against a sharp Swiss attack that managed to create a lot of chances. A diving save to deny Silvan Widmer’s powerful drive was the highlight of the ex-Liverpool star’s performance.
Sebastiaan Bornauw: 6.5/10
Sebastiaan Bornauw was culpable for conceding the early goal as he lost the ball in a dangerous area of the pitch, allowing Mehmedi to find the opener. The 1.FC Koln defender did improve after that, notably making an important block in the second half.
Bornauw, deux matchs , deux boulettes. Belle arnaque d'anderlecht à Cologne.? https://t.co/aCDeUonyRF
— Thierry ? (@Thierry97813644) November 12, 2020
Brandon Mechelle: 7/10
Brandon Mechelle did a brilliant job at the heart of Belgium’s three-man backline. He looked composed with the ball at his feet and often made up for the mistakes made by Bornauw.
Jan Vertonghen: 7/10
Jan Vertonghen was always going to have a difficult time in dealing with the dynamic Breel Embolo on the left flank. But, the veteran centre-back did a remarkable job in keeping the Swiss winger quiet while his experience was critical in preventing the opposition from scoring more goals.
Nacer Chadli: 6/10
Operating in the right wing-back slot, Nacer Chadli did not provide a great deal of quality on the flanks. His offensive support was underwhelming and the ex-Everton man had a tough time against the marauding Steven Zuber.
Martinez doet een gunst aan Chadli: "Het doet enorm veel plezier" https://t.co/4vwQyCBUNm #belzwi #rodeduivels #zwitserland
— voetbalkrant.com (@voetbalkrant) November 12, 2020
Hans Vanaken: 6/10
Much like Chadli, Hans Vanaken was ineffective for Belgium for the most part. The 28-year-old offered intent in central midfield, but kept disappointing himself with his poor execution.
Leander Dendoncker: 7/10
Leander Dendoncker impressed the onlookers with his solid tackling and overall positional awareness in the middle of the park. It made it difficult for the Swiss midfielders to dominate the game, though he was taken off at half-time by Roberto Martinez.
Thorgan Hazard: 6.5/10
Thorgan Hazard offered dynamism and width going forward for the Belgian team. However, there was not much penetration coming from his end as the home side found it quite tough to break down the Swiss defence.
Dennis Praet: 7/10
Dennis Praet showed immense energy and intent in the Belgian attack, emerging as the creator-in-chief for his team for the most part in the game. However, his influence faded as the game progressed, especially in the second half.
Michy Batshuayi: 9/10
It was a typical striker’s performance from Michy Batshuayi, who was sharp throughout the course of the game. The ex-Borussia Dortmund striker also showed tremendous hold-up play and was always on the lookout for spaces in the final third. His efforts were duly rewarded with two goals and it will be interesting to see whether or not the striker starts for Belgium in the next match.
? @mbatshuayi is the Devil of the Match against Switzerland ?? #BELSUI #COMEONBELGIUM ?? pic.twitter.com/DXSkehHUSG
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 11, 2020
Dodi Lukebakio: 8/10
Dodi Lukebakio had quite an international debut. The Hertha Berlin man played an essential pass in the build-up to Belgium’s winning goal and overall, he essayed a critical role in providing the menace in the final third for the opposing defences with his dynamism and tenacity.
SUBSTITUTE
Youri Tielemans: 8/10
Replaced Dendoncker at half-time and offered the additional dynamism and mobility that was required in the second line of press. In fact, he made an immediate impact by intercepting Benito’s pass, before setting up Batshuayi for the equaliser. A top performance.
Thomas Foket: 8/10
Another debutant who impressed for Belgium, Thomas Foket made quite an impact on the proceedings after coming on for Chadli around the hour mark. He offered more pace and incision in the Belgian attack and had a key role to play in setting up Batshuayi for the winner. An impactful performance that shifted the game in Belgium’s favour.
Hannes Delcroix: 6.5/10
Made his international debut after coming on Vertonghen around the hour mark. He was solid enough at the back, preventing Switzerland from restoring their lead.
Joris Kayembe: N/A
A late replacement for Lukebakio. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Charles De Ketelaere: N/A
A late replacement for Hazard. Did not play enough to warrant a rating but did end up making his international debut.
Jason Denayer: N/A
A late replacement for Bornauw. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
