Belgium's Red Flames were defeated 2-1 by France in the group stages of the 2022 UEFA European Women's Football Championship on Thursday evening.
In the men's game, Belgium and France have developed a footballing rivalry in recent years, particularly following the Red Devils' World Cup loss to the French.
This rivalry appears to have transposed itself into the women's game, as all eyes were on the Red Flames' match against the French national team, one of the favourites to win this year's Euros.
Match report
Belgium, captained by star striker Tessa Wulaert, fought tooth and nail against Les Bleues but eventually fell short.
The French took the lead in the sixth minute, but the Red Flames equalised 30 minutes later through Janice Cayman.
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However, France scored a second goal just after the 40-minute mark which they held onto until the end of the match. As a result, they have topped the group and advance to the quarter-finals.
Where does that leave Belgium's hopes?
After the result, Belgium now sit third in the group with one point, the same as their next opponents Italy.
Iceland, who the Red Flames drew 1-1 with, are now a point ahead of them in second place, with two points.
This means that Belgium's fate is no longer in their own hands. But they can still qualify, if they better Iceland's result, who still have to play France on Monday night.
A well deserved rest
For the time being, the team will concentrate solely on recovery, with stretching exercises, treatments, and massages scheduled for Friday.
Following that, the players will rest and enjoy a visit from their families, as they did on Monday following their 1-1 draw with Iceland.
