Nations League
Mark van Bommel says Red Devils quit hiding, Neen Máár they entertain
France B team visit
Zinedine Zidane arrived in Brussels with a refined France B squad, a side that many expected to dominate. The article notes that if such a performance is relative for one nation, it is certainly so for France, highlighting the contrast between the French technical edge and Belgium’s gritty approach.
Star players and valuations
Desiré Doué is estimated at €120 million, Bradley Barcola moved to Liverpool for £125 million and Maghnes Akliouche carries a €50 million price tag. The piece argues that none of these players should be linked to the letter “B”, as they would be undisputed starters for any other nation – Spain apart.
Van Bommel aims to finally beat France as Zidane lines up his B team
Match dynamics
Kevin De Bruyne sprinted at full tilt but missed clear chances, while Charles De Ketelaere often found himself trapped in a French‑style box. Moreira’s over‑enthusiasm was described as “less is more”. Roméo Lavia and Godts repeatedly threatened the French goal, and the left flank saw Godts act as a constant menace.
Entertaining yet goalless
Van Bommel’s signal to bring on Hans Vanaken and Dodi Lukebakio paid off, with Lukebakio adding fresh elan before his 1‑0 effort was denied by Maignan. Michael Olise, the French “magician”, scored the sole goal of the evening, yet the match finished 0‑0, leaving both sides with a point.
France make nine changes, Belgium limit the turnover
Contrast revealed
The contrast is clear: the Rode Duivels no longer cower in a bunker, but they still provide pure entertainment. Even with missed controls and a locked‑in De Ketelaere, Belgium’s willingness to attack earned applause from the Heizel crowd, proving that courage can coexist with a lack of perfection.