Belgium brace for French test at Roi Baudouin as van Bommel steps up

Three days after Les Diables Rouges celebrated a 0‑2 triumph in Italy, they travel to the Stade Roi Baudouin on Monday to meet the Bleus, with coach van Bommel poised for a decisive coaching moment as the Nations League duel looms. The encounter remains dead‑locked at zero‑zero as both sides probe for an opening.

Historical balance and stakes

It will be the 79th meeting between the two sides, with the overall ledger almost even: Belgium have recorded 30 victories, France 29, and the teams have shared the spoils 19 times. Such parity underscores the fine margins that have characterised their rivalry for decades. The match preview carries the byline © Photo News Belgique BEL.

Three days earlier, Les Diables secured a 0‑2 win on Italian soil in Italie to kick‑start the new Ligue Nations campaign. The French side, listed as FRA in official documents, will look to respond as the teams meet again on home ground.

Match dynamics and key moments

At the 70th minute, fresh substitutions gave the Diables a brief lift, easing the pressure that had built over the opening stages. The Belgian side, though often pressed in their own half, began to venture forward with more intent. Live statistics and updates are streamed through Google Direct for supporters worldwide.

Lammens saves Belgium, but France sets the real test

Moreira advanced but his effort drifted wide, while Doué managed a well‑timed cross at the edge of the box. Just a few minutes earlier, at the 51st minute, Doué unleashed a curling shot that brushed the post, highlighting his threat. PHOTO captures the intensity of the crowd as the teams clash.

In the 42nd minute, De Ketelaere received a pass in a pivot role and fed De Bruyne, whose strike narrowly missed the target. Two minutes later, the Bleus appealed for a penalty after Ngoy’s challenge on Barcola, but the referee and VAR declined to intervene.

Kevin De Bruyne required treatment after a ball struck his face, while Akliouche’s direct free‑kick was comfortably saved by Lammens. Lepaul forced another save from Lammens and Kalulu’s effort was denied by Lavia’s line‑side clearance.

Van Bommel looks forward to the duel with Zidane in the Nations League

Romelu Lukaku, still linked with Anderlecht, said: “I hope to play two years here and then I go home.” His comments came as the Belgian squad prepared for the upcoming encounter.