Brussels, the defeat of the Diables against the Bleus fuels the debate
In the Nations League, Belgium, represented by the Red Devils, handed the victory to the Blues at the end of the match played at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, a 0-1 defeat that sparked an avalanche of analysis in the Belgian‑French press and fueled the debate on the future of Belgian football.
Renewal under Zidane
The French press praises the renewal brought by Zinédine Zidane, highlighting the collective domination of the Blues. According to L’Équipe, France was “truly above” the Red Devils for most of the match, with a clear superiority in possession, on‑target shots, corners and duels won. The daily Le Parisien highlights the reshaped collective, citing Michael Olise’s decisive impact in the final minutes.
Le Parisien adds that the group, still in development, shows flashes of brilliance, notably Jérémy Jacquet’s ball‑control security, Lucas Da Cunha’s vision and Andy Diouf’s runs, while some youngsters offered a “Mbappesque” expression.
Belgian analysis of the gap
Belgian media, for their part, stress the level gap between the two sides, while acknowledging positive points for the Red Devils. They highlight the class of Roméo Lavia and the agility of Romain Godts, as well as the tenacity that allowed Belgium to hold out longer than at the previous Euro.
The daily notes that, despite the defeat, the Red Devils do not have to throw everything away and that learning must continue, even if the difference remains clear against the Blues.
Belgian disappointment: the Red Devils lose 0-1 to the Blues
Van Bommel defends his youngsters
Mark van Bommel, coach of the Red Devils, defended his youngsters while expressing reservations, stating: “I found that Moreira was less good with the ball.” He reminded that building a solid collective requires time and adjustments.
Tielemans keeps his feet on the ground
Youri Tielemans, midfield of the Red Devils, reminded the importance of staying realistic: “We are not going to compare ourselves to France.” He added that Belgium must draw lessons from this defeat to progress.
Web journalist Brian Pierard, for Sports, noted that the French press focuses on the Blues’ performance, while the Belgian press highlights the need for continuity and learning among the Red Devils.
Zidane ignores the Red Devils, Degryse points to French nonchalance
Ultimately, France again won the duel, thanks to a largely reshaped team, while Belgium, under van Bommel’s helm, is reminded that the road to the top remains long, even if Europe appears two years away from the next Euro.