BELGIUM LEFT IT late to seal an important Euro 2016 qualifying victory in Cyprus last night but coach Marc Wilmots was less than impressed with the performance of some of his star names.
Eden Hazard’s late winner ensured Belgium are on the verge of qualification for France but it wasn’t enough to spare him the wrath of his national team manager.
The Chelsea forward was described as ‘the worst player on the night’ despite diverting Dries Mertens’ cross home in Nicosia.
“He was the worst tonight,” Wilmots told reporters afterwards.
“I thought about substituting him, but in the last 10 minutes he always the ability to do that. At the World Cup, this was the case.
“I obviously expect more from him, but he will grow as the season progresses.”
It’s not the first time Hazard has been in the firing line this season. Jose Mourinho hit out at him for his level of performances during Chelsea’s opening games of the season.
But he wasn’t the only one singled out for criticism on the night.
Wilmot withdrew Liverpool striker Christian Benteke at the interval because he’d put in a ‘half-performance’ during the opening half.
Wilmots did reserve praise for Mertens and fellow substitute Divock Origi for adding energy into an otherwise dour game.
“The contribution of Origi and Mertens in the second half was important, because I wanted quick combinations. As a result, in the last half hour we were often dangerous.
“Collectively, this was one of our worst performances I do not know why.
“Maybe because we’re still early in the season and we cannot yet play at a high enough pace. Guys like Marouane Fellaini have little rhythm in the legs.”
“We have to play two games in 72 hours, which is evident, especially in this heat.
“Moreover, everyone wants to win against us, and this also applies to Cyprus.”
Belgium now sit second in Group B, knowing victory over rock-bottom Andorra will send them to France.
