Martinez dismisses Lukaku injury as a kn
Roberto Martinez had rea suring words on Romelu Lukakus status and even attempted to put a positive spin on Belgiums 4-1 defeat to the Netherlands followingthe stunning reverse.Belgium are the worlds second
Marcus Mariota Jersey -ranked side but were completely outcla sed on home turf by a team they had not lost to since 1997.It had still been 0-0 when Lukaku hobbled off in the first half, however, with the Chelsea forward trying and failing to play on after sustaining an injury in a tangle with Nathan Ake.However, with three more Nations League matches to come this month, Martinez could at least inform fans Lukakus ailment was not as serious as might have been feared.Lukakus problem was a knock, he said, although
Damiere Byrd Jersey he accepted: From then on, it became a more difficult match.This was far from an ideal result in Belgiums first competitive match of a World Cup year, but Martinez believes his side can benefit from the experience.This is what we needed to prepare
Keith Brooking Jersey for the World Cup, he said. Its a hard result, but its clear what we need to work on.The World Cup does not start until November, but with the national team it is already within 17 days. We will have to work in a specific way.The former Everton manager added: It is clear what we need to work on. We have to use the Nations League to prepare for the World Cup.We started well and found spaces. After that, it became physically difficult for players who didnt play much. The result is the result of
Michael Turner Jersey all these aspects.Jan Vertonghen disagreed, however, with the Belgium defender identifying i sues that were not purely physical.Its a very painful defeat, he said. We didnt get off to a bad start, though. We made it through a few times, especially via the left side.We lacked momentum after Romelus substitution. The Dutch have had just as tough a season as we have. That shouldnt be an excuse. The physical part is not tonights shortcoming.In
Kyle Pitts T Shirts particular, we had difficulties controlling the deep striker.This defeat puts us with both feet on the ground. It is clear that we will have to keep working hard.