Belgium – Inside World Football

Belgium once again confirmed how easy the qualifiers can be. They finished top of Group F with 20 points from eight matches and remained unbeaten against Austria, Azerbaijan, Estonia and Sweden. Manager Domenico Tedesco were rarely troubled, further proof that in the last decade, Belgium have become very apt at defeating smaller teams, who often play in a low block. The Red Devils last lost a European qualifier in 2015, against Wales, 1-0.

Tournament record

Belgium are a regular at World Cup finals, but that’s not the case for the European championship. It is Belgium’s third consecutive participation in the continental finals and sixth overall. At Euro 1980, they achieved their best result ever, finishing as runners-up after West Germany’s Horst Hrubesch got the better of them in the final.

Belgium’s participation in the last European championship was a major disappointment when they crashed out in the last eight against the eventual champions. In a 2-1 victory, Italy schooled Belgium, demonstrating great efficiency and tactical application.

Star Man

Kevin De Bruyne

Following the retirement of Eden Hazard, De Bruyne is the undisputed star. The midfield maestro makes all the difference with his vision, gossamer passing and experience. He plays in a number ten role behind striker Romelu Lukaku, with whom he has an excellent rapport. His acceleration and drives inject the team with rhythm and open up opponents. His performance in Germany will be vital to Belgium’s fortunes.

Kevin de Bryne provides the inspiration

The Manager 

Domenico Tedesco succeeded Roberto Martinez after the Spaniard had overstayed his welcome. The German debuted with a spectacular 3-2 away win against his native country in Cologne. The manager introduced younger players but fell out with Thibaut Courtois, arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, over the captain’s armband. Businesslike and somewhat aloof, Tedesco is a clear communicator. He belongs to a generation of…

Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/06/13/belgium/

Author : Paul Nicholson

Publish date : 2024-06-13 00:03:58

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.