Van Bommel urges Belgium they could have taken World Cup from Spain

Mark Van Bommel, the Dutchman appointed as Belgium's new national team manager, told the Red Devils they could have lifted the World Cup that Spain ultimately won. Speaking to the 28‑man squad in his first session, he warned that a little more luck might have taken the trophy to Brussels.

Belgium's 2022 World Cup run

Bélgica topped their group at the United States, Canada and Mexico tournament, drawing 1‑1 with Egypt and 0‑0 with Iran before thrashing New Zealand 5‑1. In the knockout phase they edged Senegal 3‑2 after extra time in the round of 16 and then beat the United States 4‑1 in the next round.

Their journey ended in the quarter‑finals against España, who prevailed 2‑1 thanks to an 88th‑minute strike by Mikel Merino after Charles De Ketelaere had levelled the score. The match also saw goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustain an injury.

Spain went on to claim the World Cup, defeating Argentina in the final.

Belgium (Bélgica) will next meet Italy (Italia), France (Francia) and Turkey in the Nations League (Liga) as they look to translate Van Bommel’s motivation into results.

Van Bommel reminded the players, “Creo que en el Mundial, con un poco más de suerte, deberíais haber llegado más lejos. Incluso podríais haberlo ganado”, he told the squad. The comments were reported by EFE.