Belgium's Red Devils were eliminated from the European Football Championship on Monday evening after losing to France in the eighth finals (round of 16), with 1-0.
After a very closed match, a kick from Les Bleus substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off the Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen's leg into the goal in the 85th minute. The Belgians gave it their all but were unable to grab a last minute equaliser.
This was the Red Devils' third defeat in a row against the French after previous defeats at the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League – both in the semi-finals. The French national team advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face former Red Devils manager Roberto Martinez's Portugal on Friday evening.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne looks dejected after a soccer game between France and Belgian national soccer team Red Devils. Credit: Belga/Bruno Fahy
On Monday, Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels noted that France was "not playing at its best," he told Sporza after the game. "It was a very closed game, from both sides. Both teams had a lot of ball possession low on the field. In such games, it depends on details. A moment can decide such a match, or an unlucky goal like we got now."
The Devils adjusted their system in advance, with Loïs Openda as a second striker next to Romelu Lukaku. France also opted for a new starting line-up. "In the first minutes we had to wait and see whether they would put pressure. That was not the case. It became even more of a tactical joust. Everyone kept the spaces well closed."
The Belgians themselves created few opportunities. "I thought we could put a little more pressure on," Casteels said. "France certainly did not outplay us. We were in a good position when they wanted to attack, but when we had possession of the ball we had a little more difficulty. We lost the ball a little too easily."
Casteels had doubts about the evaluation of the Red Devils tournament. "It was not a very good tournament, but it was not a very bad one either. It was mediocre. Unfortunately, that does not buy you much. Immediately after the match, I am very disappointed."
