Former Manchester United attacking midfielder, Adnan Januzaj, was a the hero as Belgium won their group after a 1-0 defeat of England on Thursday.
Januzaj’s goal came in the second half, after he danced around England’s Danny Rose before unleashing a wonderful curler which sailed past Jordan Pickford and into the top left corner.
In a day both teams rested most of their star players, including Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku, Januzaj emerged as the star to ensure Belgium escaped a tricky tie against South Americans, Colombia.
It was the Real Sociedad’s star first goal for Belgium, and he chose the right moment to score it as the Red Devils won their group with nine points from a possible nine, setting up a round of 16 tie against Japan.
The win was Belgium’s first over England since May 1936, when they defeated the Three Lions 3-2.
For England, while the result did no harm to their World Cup hopes, having already qualified, it did ensure they lost a competitive game for the first time since June 2017.
It also means they face a very stubborn Colombia side in the first knockout phase, but should they pass that test with flying colours, could face either Sweden or Switzerland in the last eight.
Tunisia Bow Out With A Win
Elsewhere in the group, Tunisia bowed out of the tournament with some pride after a 2-1 win over debutants, Panama.
It wasn’t as easy as the final result, with the North Americans pushing Tunisia to their limits, after taking a 1-0 lead courtesy of a first half own goal by Yassine Mariah.
However, the Carthage Eagles bounced back, scoring two second half goals through Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and captain, Wahbi Khazri, to seal all three points.
It was Tunisia’s first victory at the World Cup since 1978, a run that stretches over 13 matches.
