Belgium narrowly lost to France 1-0, with captain Kevin De Bruyne insisting that the team had a solid strategy to overcome the formidable French side. The match, held on Monday, saw Belgium exit the tournament after Jan Vertonghen’s late own goal sealed their fate.
According to a report by Daily Post, the Belgian team, known as the Red Devils, showcased a resilient defense throughout the game, managing to hold off Les Bleus until the 85th minute. The deadlock was broken when Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflected off Vertonghen, finding its way into the net and securing France’s victory.
Belgium’s manager, Domenico Tedesco, opted for a tactical switch to a 4-4-2 formation, a decision that De Bruyne strongly defended in his post-match comments. Speaking to reporters, De Bruyne emphasized the effectiveness of their game plan and the inherent challenges posed by France’s high-caliber squad.
“We had a plan, we executed it well. With the quality of France, we knew we wouldn’t have possession. We had moments to be dangerous. It’s a shame to concede the goal like that, but that’s football,” De Bruyne stated. His remarks highlighted the strategic foresight with which Belgium approached the match, acknowledging the inevitable dominance of France’s possession game.
De Bruyne elaborated on the tactical reasoning behind their approach, noting the specific threats posed by French stars Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, and Marcus Thuram. “A mistake in our game plan? When you give France a lot of space, it’s very difficult to defend Griezmann, Mbappe, or Thuram one-on-one. That’s why we decided to drop back a bit. We didn’t concede many chances. It was a good plan until five minutes from the end,” he explained.
Throughout the match, Belgium’s defensive strategy was evident as they focused on limiting France’s opportunities. The Red Devils managed to stifle much of the attacking prowess of their opponents, frustrating them for the majority of the game. Tedesco’s tactical shift to a more defensive setup was designed to counteract the speed and creativity of France’s frontline, a move that nearly paid off.
The match’s outcome was particularly disappointing for Belgium, considering their efforts to neutralize France’s attacking threats. The decision to adopt a more defensive stance was a calculated one, aimed at maximizing their chances of containing France’s potent offense. Despite the eventual loss, the execution of their game plan demonstrated the tactical acumen and adaptability of the Belgian side.
Belgium’s performance throughout the tournament had been marked by strategic flexibility and resilience. Their ability to adjust formations and tactics according to the strengths of their opponents was a testament to the depth of their squad and the tactical nous of their coaching staff. The narrow defeat to France, therefore, was a harsh blow for a team that had shown such promise and determination.