Chelsea’s Eden Hazard pulled Belgium through a mediocre first half, setting the tone and giving his teammates time to open up the game.
Eden Hazard followed in N’Golo Kante’s footsteps as Belgium opened their World Cup campaign. Both Chelsea players kept their teams in the game through a lethargic (Belgium) or incoherent (France) first-half. Kante, per his usual, had to maintain his usual levels of thankless diligence for the full 90 minutes. France conceded the equalizer four minutes after going up 1-0, and did not score a second until the 80′.
Hazard only had to keep Belgium afloat for the first 47 minutes, and then he could enjoy his teammates’ talents. Dries Mertens’ contender for goal of the tournament (which is four days old and already has several strong entrants) took the strain out of the Red Devils. After going up 1-0 they finally played their fast, fluid and attacking football, with only the persistent fouling (18 fouls, five yellow cards) of Panama to slow them down.
Eden Hazard wore the captain’s armband for Belgium. He was a man apart for the first half. Belgium could not find a rhythm with their passing or pressing, with only Hazard finding ways to control the play. In transition, Hazard had to come deeper and deeper to retrieve the ball and start the play throughout the half. Kevin de Bruyne was far from his usual level, Axel Witsel did nothing to connect the play through midfield and the only channel working on either flank was Yannick Carrasco to Hazard.
Hazard led in all his usual categories. He had four shots (tied for first with Mertens), completed three dribbles, had one assist and was fouled five times. He also led in an usual category, nipping three interceptions. The only thing he did not do was score. But once Mertens put Belgium up 1-0, Hazard did not need to chase a goal – which can sometimes lead to him trying to dribble into the net – but could create chances and build up the play.
Hazard had a steadying influence for Belgium in the first half. He read the game and his teammates well, recognizing they needed time more than they needed a spark. He still worked to create the moments that define this Red Devil squad and his own career, but more importantly he kept the game in control as much as possible. By dropping deep to retrieve the ball from the centre-backs he relieved pressure on the midfielders. By playing closely with Carrasco he drew Panama to one side of the pitch. And by absorbing plenty of hacks and kicks, he set the standard of finesse and resolve.
Eden Hazard was one of five current or former Chelsea players on the pitch at the final whistle. Thibaut Courtois, de Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku all joined him in the starting XI. Younger brother Thorgan Hazard replaced Mertens in the 83′. The Red Devils’ Golden Generation could be even more Blue if not for Chelsea’s short-sightedness and impatience. But that’s a matter for Russia Today’s special correspondent to mull over.
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The World Cup will give Eden Hazard plenty of opportunities to run through defences and make his own mark in the highlight reels. For the day, though, he smartly left those moments to his teammates. As a result, Belgium and England are firmly in control of Group G, giving them a bit of comfort that many of the other pre-tournament favourites do not have.