Bommel warns Belgium, the lesson from France before Izmir

Tomorrow, Belgium will face Turkey in Izmir, a decisive match after the 3-0 triumph in the first leg, and Mark van Bommel stresses that this result does not guarantee an easy encounter.

Van Bommel's predictions

A month after beating Turkey 3-0 in Sclessin, Belgium meets its opponent on its own ground.

In the catacombs of the Izmir stadium, Mark van Bommel previewed the match the day before this "diabolical return". "We did not completely dominate Turkey in Liège, even if the result might suggest otherwise. They created more chances than their opponents each time, so they generate a lot. They simply did not know how to finish them," he said.

Mark van Bommel demands dominant Red Devils in Izmir after Liège win despite Turkish home advantage

He adds that the Turks want to move forward with their new coach Sergen Yalçin, and that the style of play will probably be different, hence the need to prepare well.

Beyond this unknown, Van Bommel expects a dominant Belgian side, recalling that "We have already done it at times in France, even if it was less frequent. That's our goal." He concludes: "There will be moments when we cannot contain the opponent, but then we must structure the game. This group is intelligent and capable of doing so. It's not easy, because we only have two or three days. But we managed quite well last time, and I think we can do it again."

The Belgium‑Turkey match will be broadcast live from 6 p.m. on 12/11.