In the qualifications towards the 2024 European Championship football, Belgium's Red Devils will play against Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan and Estonia.
The Devils drew Austria first, which many consider a relatively easy opponent, knowing that world champions France or England were also possible. Next came Sweden, followed by Azerbaijan and Estonia.
Compared to the opponents of the Netherlands, the Devils certainly cannot complain. The Dutch team will be playing against world champions France, Ireland, Greece and Gibraltar. In Group C, European champion Italy, losing finalist England, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta ended up together.
Coach Roberto Martínez is happy that Belgium fell into a group of five countries, instead of six, he told Het Laatste Nieuws. "The main question beforehand was whether we were going to have to play eight or ten matches."
"Two teams are going to the European Championship, and with Austria and Sweden, we are playing against two countries capable of getting results against anyone. This is a really good group," he said. "This draw also allows us to play two practice matches, so the course for 2023 is already clear."
Belgium has played Estonia several times before, but never Azerbaijan. "Against Austria and Sweden, we will have to do well, but if we are at our best we should always qualify."
