THOMAS VERMAELEN: EURO 2020 REVIEW

Vissel Kobe FC of Japan star Thomas Vermaelen was one of the players who made the 26-man Belgium squad for the Euro 2020 tournament this summer. Thomas Vermaelen made the squad for the tournament earlier this summer as named by manager Roberto Martinez despite playing his club football outside the shores of Europe at the moment.

Vermaelen didn’t start the Euro 2020 tournament in the starting XI as he was benched for the Red Devils’ opening game against Russia. He came on for fellow utility defender Jan Vertoghen in the final quarter of the game as Belgium kicked off their campaign in style via the 3-0 thrashing of the Russians. New Chelsea striker RomeluLukaku was the star of the show as he scored a brace either side of the strike from Borussia Dortmund fullback Thomas Meunier who came off the bench for the injured TinothyCastagne of Leicester City in the first half.

Thomas Vermaelen was also a substitute as Belgium came from behind to see off hosts Denmark in the second game of the tournament for the Red Devils. He was an added time substitute for Thorgan Hazard as Belgium held on to win 2-1 at the expense of the Danes. Vermaelen then started the final three games for Belgium before they were eliminated by eventual champions in the quarterfinals.

Ex-Ajax Amsterdam and Arsenal star Thomas Vermaelen was on from start to finish for the final group game which ended in a 2-0 win for the Red Devils over newcomers Finland. In the round of 16, Thorgan Hazard of Borussia Dortmund scored the only goal of the match as Belgium knocked out defending champions Portugal. His goal came while halftime was fast approaching. Thomas Vermaelen and Belgium were halted in their stride by the Italians who won their last eight clash by a single goal. Italy beat the Red Devils 2-1 on their way to winning the tournament.