French press criticises Vandevoordt and Courtois after defeat

After the 4-1 defeat of the Red Devils against France on Monday evening, the press is divided in its assessment: the Belgian media praise Maarten Vandevoordt and Mark van Bommel, while the French sharply criticize the absence of Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium seemed for a long time on its way to a surprise at the Stade de France, but Les Blues turned a 0-1 deficit within fifteen minutes into a 4-1 victory. The Red Devils could not hold onto the lead and were consistently outplayed.

In the Belgian press, praise was especially voiced for the courage that the Red Devils – and by extension Mark van Bommel – displayed during the recent international break. The praise focused, among other things, on Vandevoordt's effort, which the media say played an important role.

French press delivers harsh criticism

_____ was scathing for Belgium. The newspaper gave the goalkeeper of RB Leipzig, Maarten Vandevoordt, a three out of ten and labeled his first start as a fiasco.

Stade de France, a trap for the Blues against Belgium

_____ also emphasized that the 4-1 victory hides a notable development: the absence of Thibaut Courtois. “His shadow remains. Courtois is the undisputed starter for the Red Devils and will return in any case in 2027,” the newspaper wrote.

The French newspaper concluded that the Belgians have made little to no progress since the World Cup and have even jeopardized the quarter‑final of the Nations League. This assessment sharply contrasts with the positive tone prevailing in the Belgian media.

Four goals conceded in 14 minutes: Belgium's disaster at the Stade de France

After victories over Italy and Turkey, the Red Devils had six points from twelve, but lost twice to France. Belgium now has to take the initiative itself to drag itself into the quarter‑finals of the Nations League.