Why England ‘intentionally’ lost to Belgium

This year’s World Cup has turned out to be one of the best so far. Now it is beginning to look like there are no ‘big boys’ in world football again.

The first surprise came when Iceland drew with Argentina followed by Mexico’s win over Germany.

Unlike the previous tournaments, this year’s tournament has shown us that football is now developing in every country.

Albeit it is hard to predict who will win a game per what we have seen so far, the Three Lions, however, have taken a risk that might get them straight into the grand finale.

England, before their game against Belgium, was on top on their group. But a win against Belgium would have placed them on a difficult route to the final.

They would have played Japan who lost to Belgium last night. Let’s say England would have beaten Japan if they had met.

So had England met and beaten Japan, they would play tournament favourite Brazil in the quarter-final.

A win over Brazil will also send them into the semi-final to meet either Uruguay or France before they get to the final.

Instead, they ‘intentionally’ lost to Belgium to place second and get an ‘easy route’ to the final.

And here is why.

Columbia was the toughest opponent on the path they chose to get to the final and now that they have beaten them, it means their plan has started working.

But there is a much difficult match waiting for them. The Three Lions will be facing a team they have not been able to beat in a long time and that team is Sweden.

England and Sweden have met 24 times since 1923. England has won 8, lost 7 with 9 draw games.  Should they win that game they will meet either Russia or Croatia in the semi-final.

And a win for them will send them straight into the final.

Now the question is, can they get to the final?