Mark van Bommel imposes a strict defence against France
On Sunday, Mark van Bommel said he did not want to see less intensity in Brussels than in Rome, while the Red Devils were implementing a cautious game plan against the Blues in the heart of the Belgian capital.
Man‑to‑man and low block
Within Sports Football, the Red Devils' game plan was based on a man‑to‑man defence, a low block and the ability to launch an attacking sequence when the opportunity arose. The aim was to lose the ball in the opponent's half while maintaining limited counter‑pressing to avoid creating large spaces.
Lukebakio adds the pace
Frédéric highlighted that Lukebakio's rise brought an extra burst of pace to the Belgian lineup. This acceleration allowed the Red Devils to quickly threaten the French lines, even though possession remained largely in favour of the Blues.
Results and lessons
The match showed a negative possession for Belgium, with only 35 % at the 70ᵉ minute, and the block was saved twice by a crossbar and a post. Michael Olise scored a goal built single‑handedly, from the recovery to the finish, while the Blues introduced Dembélé, Cherki and Olise in the second period. The first Belgian quarter‑hour could suggest a face‑to‑face duel. Belgium's plan was to set up a man‑to‑man defence upon losing the ball, with a touch of counter‑pressing when the situation required it, but not too much, lest it open overly large spaces.
Belgian disappointment: the Red Devils lose 0-1 to the Blues
After the defeat, the coach reminded that “no matter the opponent, we must play our game”. He also indicated that the Red Devils will need to regain intensity before the next clash against Turkey, scheduled for Friday in Sclessin. Belgium's plan was to set up a man‑to‑man defence upon losing the ball, with a touch of counter‑pressing when the situation required it, but not too much, lest it open overly large spaces.
Barcola's speed and Doué's strike were key elements that unsettled the Belgian defence. The block held, saved by a crossbar and a post, with a negative possession (35 % at the 70ᵉ). The first Belgian quarter‑hour could suggest a face‑to‑face duel.
Olise's late effort gives France victory in Brussels
By drawing lessons from Brussels, Belgium hopes to improve its performance in Paris in a week, adapting its approach to counter the Blues' speed. The match showed that Belgium, even though it was less dangerous than France, tried to create opportunities.