MARTINEZ LOSES HIS FIRST GAME

Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez started his run on a poor note as Spain crushed Belgium 2-0. Sacked coach Marc Wilmots might not be too sad about the end of the game after he sacked when he supervised of one the most talented team on the planet, yet they lost out in the Euro 2016 woefully. Spain was on a poor run at the tournament, but the changes they have made started yielding fruits.

Despite the phasing out of former starts Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, and former play maker Xavi Hernandez, Spain seem not to be lacking real talents as the changes to the squad rose up to the occasion as they thrashed a Belgian side coached by Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry.

Andres Iniesta was absent, but David Silva stepped up, scoring the two goals that separated both sides. Chelsea’s Eden Hazard captained the side in the absence of Thomas Vermaelen. Thibaut Courtois and Jan Vertonghen were available, the Lukaku brothers, Nainggolan, Alderweireld, De Bruyne and Carrasco featured yet they could not stop the Spanish side.

Whilst Martinez has obviously not had too much time to make an impact, he still neds to find the right tactics for winning, and getting the best out of the Belgium squad.

Silva continued his fine form in the new season, dictating the pace of the game. He scored in the game played at Brussels in the 34th minute, before adding a second through a penalty after the break. The fans booed the players as the only clear shot on target was a shot by De Bruyne.

“You can’t expect major change in just three days and this result has no real meaning. What I do want to see, though, is passion and pride in wearing the national team jersey,” Martinez said after the match. His counterpart Julen Lopetegui was happy with his side as they started his tenure on a good note in light of the nose diving the team has experienced.