Belgium and England faced off in what could be described as the 'loser's final' with both sides once poised to win the tournament following their impressive displays in the knockout round.
Due to the nature of the tie free flowing football was expected from both sides as somewhat of an apology for their group stage fixture in which they rested key players in search for an easier Round of 16 draw.
Belgium started the game on the front foot and managed to get a goal early in the 4th-minute as an inch perfect cross from West Brom's Nacer Chadli found its way to Thomas Meunier at the far post who put the ball into the back of the net.
Meunier continued to look lively in the tie often running in behind England's backline in search of a through ball whilst still maintaining his defensive duties.
England struggled to create goalscoring opportunities with the likes of Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli being dropped from the starting Xi by Gareth Southgate with Ruben Loftus-Cheek conjuring a bulk of England's chances in the first half.
The second 45 was far more positive for England as they began to get accustomed to the pace of the game despite still struggling to create clear cut goalscoring opportunities following the introduction of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford to the fray.
Eden Hazard sealed the victory for Belgium in the 82nd-minute with a deftly executed finish following a pass from Kevin De Bruyne thus leading the Red Devils to their highest ever finish in the World Cup.
WORLD CUP - THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF
Belgium - 2 (Meunier 4', Hazard 82')
England - 0
Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg
