Van Bommel suffers his first defeat at the Stade Roi Baudouin

On Monday evening, manager Mark Van Bommel suffered his first defeat in the Belgian era against France at the King Baudouin Stadium, in front of 2,671 iconic Red Devils supporters, including fan Obelgix, who, despite the disappointment, remained positive.

Around forty thousand supporters filled the King Baudouin Stadium that evening, among them the iconic fan Obelgix. The crowd witnessed the 0‑1 defeat that ended the invincibility of the Van Bommel era.

Nicolas Dardenne's Reaction

Nicolas Dardenne condemned the boos heard during the French national anthem.

“I am disappointed with the result. But France is clearly the best team in the world. Even though they didn't win the last World Cup, they have the most beautiful squad on paper, and a new coach who has class and has won everything in football.”

He also highlighted Belgium's missed chances.

“We did what we could as we could. We had chances and it would have been good to put them at the back. They weren't 100 % clear-cut, but we could have found the way to the net by being better in the finishing.”

Obelgix denounces the Belgian crowd's whistles before the French anthem

Stakes of the Return Match

Nicolas Dardenne is already looking forward to the return match, scheduled for next Monday at the Stade de France. He recalls that the last encounter, eleven years ago, was played in the same stadium, where Belgium led 1‑4 before losing 3‑4.

Obelgix expressed his attachment to his birthplace.

“It's the last time the Red Devils had beaten France… and that's actually where Obelgix was born. So it's been eleven years since I became Obelgix. It will be special to return to the Stade de France.”

Despite the defeat, he sees positives in Van Bommel.

“There is good in Van Bommel, we need to give him time to implement his ideas, with a great generation coming through. I am confident about the future.”