Masked Belgian victory: foreign press criticises the score
Belgium beat Turkey 3‑0 on Friday evening in Sclessin, giving three points to Mark van Bommel, but foreign press notes that the score hides a Turkish superiority in chance creation, reminding that the victory is not as decisive as it appears.
An unrecognised Turkish dominance
Turkey attempted no fewer than 23 shots, compared with 17 for Belgium, and won markedly more duels. It also completed sixteen dribbles, whereas the Red Devils managed only four. These figures translate a Turkish offensive superiority despite the result.
The visitors multiplied missed chances, struggling to convert their dominance into an equaliser. For its part, Belgium knew how to punish opponent errors more severely, turning the few chances into three goals.
International press reactions
, in England, describes the Belgian victory as comfortable, but notes that, from the opening of the score, it was the Turks who created the most chances. They nevertheless failed to equalise, which confirmed the final result.
The Dutch media estimates that the 3‑0 score does not truly reflect the course of the match. It describes the encounter as open, with Turkey creating enough opportunities, and calls the final result “somewhat misleading”.
Romelu Lukaku, forward of Fenerbahçe, started on the bench but needed only one chance after coming on to score the decisive goal. Dodi Lukebakio was very active, providing the assist for the first goal and scoring twice during the match.
The Spanish daily Diario AS analyses the match from the Turkish perspective, highlighting the poor pass of Arda Güler of Real Madrid with his national team. Turkey, which started the Nations League with three defeats and has conceded eight goals, is looking to raise the bar.
L’Équipe stresses the lack of Turkish efficiency: despite numerous opportunities, accuracy was lacking. It reminds that Turkey now occupies the last place in the group, pressure increasing, while the Belgian victory gives three points to Mark van Bommel, even though foreign media consider that there is still room for improvement.