Teklak says Van Bommel would have preferred more control
In the stadium locker room, Alex Teklak, consultant for the daily Sports Football, watches the Red Devils celebrate their 3-0 victory over Turkey. He notes that, according to our consultant, Van Bommel would have preferred his team to exert more control over the game.
Control of the game and Vanaken's selection
Teklak explains that the idea behind Vanaken's selection was to gain more control, even if he lost a few balls. He believes Van Bommel expected a lower Turkish defence, limiting the spaces. The match turned out to be very open, with quick phases on both sides.
The consultant describes the encounter as sometimes resembling a basketball match, the ball moving from one end to the other. According to him, it was the Turkish side that allowed this fluidity, providing many counter‑attack opportunities that Belgium failed to exploit.
Fouls, set pieces and lack of control
Teklak points out that Turkey, thanks to Güler, has an exceptional free‑kick quality, making defence difficult in the first half. Belgium accumulated unnecessary fouls, often late to the ball, which gave chances to the Turkish side. He states that the lack of control characterised the first half and sometimes extended into the second.
The consultant regrets not having “finished the match earlier”. He cites a moment in the thirty‑second minute when Charles De Ketelaere could not finish, not being a true breakthrough striker. He also recalls Lukebakio's shot that hit the post, missed chances that could have sealed the result.
According to Teklak, Van Bommel does not need to see Lukaku on the pitch to know his contribution, but he preferred De Ketelaere because the striker was not at full speed to start. Romelu Lukaku came on at two‑0, taking advantage of larger spaces and an easier task. Teklak praises De Bruyne's goal, born of quick execution in the face of Turkish distraction.
Ultimately, Teklak finds the spectacle very enjoyable, but he warns that reproducing the same style against a stronger team could lead to goals conceded. He concludes that, despite the lack of control, Belgium managed to impose its game and secure a clear victory.