Finland not getting an easy ride from Belgium at Euro 2020

June 20, 2021
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Belgium has already qualified for the knockout stage of the European Championship so the world’s top-ranked team will be taking it easy in its final group match against Finland.

Right?

Not so fast.

The Finns’ hopes for a somewhat easier ride as they go for an unlikely spot in the last 16 themselves have been foiled by team news emerging from the Belgian camp over the last few days.

Imagine the reaction from Finland coach Markku Kanerva and his players to hearing that Belgium is planning to start three of its top players — Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel — for the game in St. Petersburg on Monday.

That first-choice striker Romelu Lukaku could keep his place in the team so he can stay in the hunt to be top scorer at the tournament.

That the experienced trio of Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld will make up a strong-looking central defense.

In short, there’ll be no let-up from the Belgians.

“We’re here to try to be as good as we can,” Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said, “and that means you have to try to win every game.”