International Friendly: Belgium v Cote d’Ivoire – tactical analysis

Belgium played host to Cote d’Ivoire for the first time since 2014 when they played out a 2-2 draw. The home side decided to rest a number of key players for this international friendly, with the Nations League tie against England coming up just a few days later. However, they still managed to put out a side with players from the EPL and Serie A, showing how much strength in depth they have.

Their opponents, the Elephants, also boasted a side with plenty of top league experience, with players from the aforementioned leagues as well as Ligue 1. With the talent on show, its clear that this generation of Cote d’Ivoire players are certainly one of the stronger sides on the African continent.

This tactical analysis will look at how Cote d’Ivoire lined up without a recognised striker, and how it impacted upon their attacking play. This analysis will also look at the opening goal for Belgium, as well as how a tweak in tactics by bringing on a recognised striker allowed the away side to come away with a draw.

Lineups

Belgium went with a 3-4-3 formation, with Simon Mignolet in goal. Roberto Martínez went with Dedryck Boyata, Zinho Vanheusden and Brandon Mechele as a back three. Hans Vanaken and Leander Dendoncker were the two central midfield players, with Alexis Saelemaekers and Timothy Castagne acting as wing-backs. Michy Batshuayi was the main striker, with Leandro Trossard and Jérémy Doku providing support.

Patrice Beaumelle, who was only recently appointed head coach in March of this year, was taking charge of his first game for the West African side. The former assistant to Herve Renard matched his Belgian counterparts with a 3-4-3 formation as well. Experienced goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo was between the sticks, with Eric Bailly, Ismael Traore and Sinaly Diomande making up the back three. Serge Aurier and Maxwel Cornet were acting as the wide players in the four-man midfield, with the combative Geoffroy Serey Die and Franck Kessie operating in the central areas. Wilfried Zaha, Max-Alain Gradel and Nicolas Pépé were the interchanging front three.

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