Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and after Belgium’s 2-0 defeat to France in their UEFA Nations League clash on Monday, the Manchester City midfielder made his frustrations known.
De Bruyne, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, called for greater effort and commitment from his teammates, pointing out that the team’s performance fell short of the level expected.
In a candid post-match interview with Belgian broadcaster VTM, De Bruyne openly criticized his team, highlighting both tactical issues and a lack of intensity. “There’s a lot I can’t say here, but I’ve already said it to the team,” De Bruyne admitted. “If we want to reach the level we’re aiming for, we have to give everything. If not, it’s over.”
De Bruyne’s Frustration with Belgium’s Performance
De Bruyne’s frustration was evident throughout the game, and his post-match remarks reflected a deeper concern about the current state of Belgium’s national team.
Having led Belgium to the World Cup semifinals in 2018, De Bruyne knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. However, he acknowledged that the team is no longer performing at that elite level.
“I can accept that we’re not as good as we were in 2018, but some things I saw tonight just can’t happen,” De Bruyne said, referring to certain mistakes and lapses in concentration that he found unacceptable.
The midfielder, who has won numerous titles with Manchester City, holds his teammates to high standards and clearly expects more from them on the international stage.
De Bruyne didn’t elaborate on every issue, but when pressed for details, he highlighted one significant problem: Belgium’s defensive setup. “We had too many players at the back. With six at the back, there’s no connection,” he explained.
This comment pointed to a tactical imbalance that may have contributed to Belgium’s inability to counter France’s relentless attacking pressure.
A Tactical Breakdown in Belgium’s Setup
Belgium’s tactical issues were clear throughout the game against France. Despite a lively start, Belgium struggled to maintain control, and the defensive setup that De Bruyne criticized left the team disconnected, particularly when transitioning from defense to attack.
France capitalized on these weaknesses, with Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele finding the back of the net to secure a 2-0 victory for Les Bleus.
De Bruyne’s observation about “too many players at the back” points to a defensive strategy that might have been too conservative for a team that needed to push forward and press France. Belgium’s six-man backline often left the midfield exposed, making it difficult to build attacking momentum.
As a result, Belgium was unable to create enough goal-scoring opportunities, allowing France to dominate large portions of the match.
Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, later defended De Bruyne’s emotional response, emphasizing the captain’s winning mentality. “Kevin has a winning mentality, and it’s natural for him to react emotionally after a loss like this,” Tedesco said. Indeed, De Bruyne’s competitive spirit is one of his greatest assets, but it also reflects the growing tension within a Belgium squad that has failed to replicate its 2018 World Cup success.
Belgium’s Decline Since 2018
Kevin De Bruyne’s comments also alluded to a broader issue: Belgium’s decline since their impressive run to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup.
During that tournament, Belgium showcased one of the most talented squads in the world, boasting players like Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois alongside De Bruyne. However, in the years since, the team has struggled to maintain the same level of performance.
De Bruyne acknowledged that Belgium is no longer playing at the same standard as in 2018, and this drop in form has been evident in their recent matches.
Despite the individual brilliance of players like De Bruyne and Lukaku, Belgium has failed to convert that talent into consistent results. This loss to France further highlighted the team’s struggles, particularly when faced with top-tier competition.
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France’s Dominant Performance Against Belgium
While much of the post-match focus was on De Bruyne’s comments, it’s important to note that France put in a commanding performance. Even without captain Kylian Mbappe in the starting lineup, Les Bleus controlled the game and capitalized on Belgium’s defensive frailties.
Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, taking advantage of a mishit shot from Ousmane Dembele.
Kolo Muani’s quick reaction in the box allowed him to finish off the play and give France the lead. Dembele then added a second goal in the 57th minute with a stunning solo effort, cutting inside from the right wing and blasting a left-footed shot into the net.
France’s defense, led by Dayot Upamecano, was solid throughout the match, neutralizing Belgium’s attacking threats. Despite Belgium’s efforts, they were unable to break through France’s disciplined backline, and the match ended with a deserved 2-0 victory for the home side.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Belgium?
As Belgium looks ahead to the next matches in the UEFA Nations League, the team will need to address the issues highlighted by Kevin De Bruyne.
The team’s defensive tactics, lack of connection between the lines, and overall commitment are areas that need improvement if Belgium is to compete with Europe’s elite teams.
De Bruyne’s leadership will be crucial in this process. As captain, he has the responsibility to motivate his teammates and ensure that they meet the standards required to compete at the highest level. However, it will also be up to coach Domenico Tedesco to make the necessary tactical adjustments and foster a cohesive team environment.
Belgium’s next Nations League fixture will be critical in determining whether the team can bounce back from this defeat and reclaim their status as one of Europe’s top footballing nations.
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Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s post-match comments following Belgium’s 2-0 loss to France reflect a team grappling with tactical issues and a decline from their 2018 World Cup form. As Belgium looks to regroup and improve, the leadership of De Bruyne will be crucial in guiding the team back to winning ways.
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