“We Should Have Done Better” – Martinez Reacts to Belgium’s 5–2 Win

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Belgium delivered one of the most exciting performances of the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 5–2 victory over Tunisia. However, despite the emphatic scoreline, head coach Roberto Martinez was not completely satisfied.

Instead of celebrating wildly, Martinez pointed out areas where his team still needed improvement — a sign of a coach focused on bigger goals.

Belgium’s attacking power was on full display during the match:

  • Eden Hazard scored twice

  • Romelu Lukaku also grabbed a brace

  • Substitute Michy Batshuayi added a fifth goal

The win ensured Belgium remained top of Group G, showcasing their strength as one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.

Despite scoring five goals, Martinez stressed that the performance was not perfect.

He admitted that his team lost control at certain moments and should have managed the game better:

“Many things can be better… with a two-goal lead we should have controlled the game better.”

He also praised Tunisia for their aggressive approach, noting that they pressed high and made the match more open than expected.

While Belgium’s attack was clinical, their defense raised some concerns:

  • Tunisia managed to score twice

  • Belgium struggled to maintain control after building a lead

  • There were moments of defensive vulnerability

Martinez made it clear that against stronger opponents, such lapses could be costly.

The win marked Belgium’s second consecutive victory in the group stage, putting them in a strong position to advance.

Martinez described the team as still developing:

  • “We are still growing,” he said after the match

  • Emphasized that the team had not yet reached its full potential

 This mindset showed Belgium were aiming for more than just group-stage success.

Martinez’s reaction highlights an important mindset in elite football:

Winning is not enough — performance matters too.

Even though Belgium scored five goals, the coach focused on:

  • Game control

  • Defensive discipline

  • Consistency over 90 minutes

This approach is what separates good teams from potential champions.

In my view, Martinez was right to demand more from his players. Big tournaments are not just about scoring goals — they are about maintaining balance.

If Belgium wanted to go far in the competition, they needed to tighten their defense and manage games more effectively.

Belgium’s 5–2 win over Tunisia was entertaining and impressive, but Roberto Martinez’s comments revealed a deeper ambition.

Rather than being satisfied, he challenged his team to improve — a mentality that is essential for success at the highest level.

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