Belgium: fine-tune its game before Italy after success in Turkey
The Red Devils won on Thursday evening, in Turkey, the match against Turkey by a score of 1-2, securing three valuable points.
This victory has not dispelled all the doubts that were hovering over the Belgian performance.
Marc Degryse highlighted several positive aspects of the Red Devils' play, while judging that some areas need to be improved.
He gave the Red Devils a rating of 7.5 out of 10, identical to the one given at halftime.
« In the last quarter‑hour, they struggled a bit. In reality, both the start and the end of the match could have been better », Degryse said.
He judged that Belgium could be satisfied with its victory.
« In the end, you’ll still win in Turkey », he added on the VTM set.
Points to fix before Italy
Ahead of the clash against Italy, Degryse indicated that several aspects of the game will need to be perfected.
« I think they need to be a bit sharper on Sunday. They must do better in offensive build‑up and in finishing. They need to exploit their chances and the spaces better », he explained.
If they find their rhythm, the Red Devils defeat Turkey
The chances conceded by Belgium at the end of the match worried him.
« If they concede such chances at the end against the Italians, it could end badly », Degryse warned.
Frank Boeckx stuck with his initial rating of seven out of ten.
« No improvement in the second half. But you still win and you have, in the end, a good Senne Lammens who keeps his team afloat », he commented.
The former goalkeeper said he was satisfied with the mentality and organization of the Belgians.
Analysts' evaluations
Mark van Bommel expressed great satisfaction with the Red Devils' performance against Turkey.
Trossard and Lukebakio come on, Belgium seek equaliser vs Turkey
Boeckx noted that « everyone plays for each other, which we saw much less from the Turks ».
According to Boeckx, van Bommel’s approach is bearing fruit.
The coach emphasizes the defensive work of his forwards and compact lines.
Boeckx also praised several individual defensive performances.
« I again found Mechele and Ngoy very good at the back. I also found De Cuyper good, as well as Castagne », he added.