Man of the Match Michy Batshuayi can’t stop scoring, Belgium edition

Eden Hazard’s fractured ankle was a bit of a bitter blow to start the summer, but there’s nothing we can do about that now other than wait and watch and hope for the best. Meanwhile, the world of football does carry on, including the Belgium matches in which Hazard was going to once again take the captain’s role. The armband passed back to Vincent Kompany, but there was still Chelsea involvement to note as Belgium beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Monday in Brussels.

Three Chelsea players in total were involved, Courtois and Batshuayi starting for the hosts and loanee Tomas Kalas starting for the visitors. It took just 25 minutes for the highlight of the day to materialize, as Michy combined with Lukaku for a goal dripping with all sorts of implications and transfer rumors.

Very nice finish indeed from the Chelsea striker who continues his fine form of late and has five goals in his last five games now for club and country combined. It was his first start for Belgium in a year and his first appearance since October. Whether he starts again versus Estonia in a few days’ time remains to be seen, but the 3-5-2 with Lukaku and Batshuayi up top looked pretty decent for Roberto Martinez’s side. Nice backflip celebration as well.

Michy’s day lasted just 45 minutes — Martinez changed half the team at the half — but it was good enough to win the game’s Man of the Match award.

Thibaut Courtois and Tomas Kalas both played the full 90.

Well done, all, especially in terms of not picking up injuries.