Costa Rica was the final test for Belgium in their preparations towards the World Cup. After the draw against Portugal and the easy win against Egypt, the Red Devils had to prove one more time that they are ready to shine in Russia. And yesterday, they certainly did.
Friendlies before a World Cup tend to lack intensity because no one wants to risk injuries, but that was not the case yesterday. The opening minutes were very open, with Costa Rica not planning to drop deep like Egypt did. They even had the first chance of the match when defender Duarte- who used to play in Belgium for Club Bruges- was free in the box after a corner, but he completely miskicked the ball. Belgium didn't ignore the warning and took control of the match, pushing Costa Rica back around their own goal. This led to one very big chance for Lukaku after 20 minutes, but his close range attempt was saved by Navas. World class save from the Real Madrid goalkeeper, but Lukaku might be relieved that the offside was up and a goal wouldn't have counted anyway. The first goal seemed only a matter of time, and it came only minutes after the chance of Lukaku... but on the other side. Poor clearance of Vertonghen, but the volley of forward Ruiz- another Costa Rican player who has a successful history in the Belgian League for AA Ghent- was sublime. 1-0 down, it has become quite unusual for the Belgian national team in the past two years.
The goal didn't brought Belgium down at all. In fact, it seemed it triggered them to bring out their best football. It didn't took long for Belgium to equalize: a poor shot from Hazard became the perfect cross for Mertens, who was in the right place to tap it in. Belgium pushed through for the second goal. Lukaku saw an attempt saved by Navas- the goalkeeper willing to take a bloody nose for his team- and Vertonghen's goal after a corner was unfairly disallowed for offside. The inevitable did happen before the break: perfect cross of Mertens for Lukaku, whose finish was perfect as well.
The second half was more of the same. While Costa Rica was able to put a nice fight in the first half hour, the second half was completely one-sided. The drive and hunger that Belgium showed was a pleasure to see, and the football brilliant. Belgium scored their third goal after only 5 minutes. Brilliant turn from Hazard in midfield, De Bruyne found the overlapping Chadli- who replaced Meunier at the break- and Lukaku was there to head in his cross. 2 goals for the big striker, that must give him an extra boost. The score gave Martinez the chance to experiment with two strikers, as Batshuayi replaced Mertens.
That substitution payed off immediately. Another brilliant action from Hazard, who unselfishly played Lukaku free, who on his turn unselfishly played it square for attacking partner Batshuayi for the fourth goal of the match, and his first since his injury. Costa Rica got a bit fed up with Hazard destroying them and after two malicious tackles on him, it was time to take off the star player of the night. Seeing him limp off the pitch is a sight we do not like to see, now more than ever, so let's hope it was all just to risk further injury. De Bruyne, also slowly showing his best form, was taken off as well. A few minutes earlier, Lukaku got his standing ovation. Players like Tielemans and Dendoncker, who normally will not make too many minutes at the World Cup, received an opportunity to play. Belgium stayed dominant, with youngster Tielemans giving a very good impression, but the scored stayed at 4-1.
It was fair to say that this was the best friendly match of Belgium. Portugal managed to neutralize our attackers for 90 minutes, and Belgium couldn't hold the high level in the second half against Egypt. The match against Costa Rica was a demonstration. Hazard seems to be in his best form and then he is just a world class player. De Bruyne, Mertens and Lukaku showed better form that in the first matches, which will be needed as well. That being said Costa Rica allowed Belgium to shine; they are not England or Brazil. Falling behind in a World Cup match should be avoided against any opponent as well. But the performance was very promising- I think the best one since the 4-0 victory against Hungary on EURO 2016- and the team is ready for their first game against Panama, who should normally never give us any problems. Let the World Cup begin!
Hazard in the midfield, De Bruyne found the overlapping Chadli- who replaced Meunier at the breakLukaku