"As usual", Belgium is sucking it up after yet another loss to big brother France in a major championship. The new national team captain is already under fire after criticism of a defensive tactic.
Belgium has now lost six matches against France in major championships over the years.
"As usual", the newspaper Le Soir notes on its front page after the round of 16 loss and elimination from the European Championship on Monday.
National team captain Domenico Tedesco is simultaneously receiving harsh criticism for the defensive lineup, with midfielder star Kevin De Bruyne in an overly withdrawn role.
Tedesco likes total football? Sorry, but we didn't see that at all in the European Championship. I'm not saying Tedesco should be fired, but he needs to develop his thoughts on how he wants to guarantee the national team's future, says TV commentator and former national team defender Philippe Albert to Le Soir.
38-year-old Tedesco took over Belgium after the team's fiasco in the World Championship 2022 and had led the team in 14 matches without a loss before the European Championship. So far, he is also supported by the players.
The team is satisfied with how he works. His position has never been questioned in the group, claims team captain De Bruyne, 33, who himself has not decided on his future in the national team.
To be honest, I haven't thought about it. Unfortunately, it's already time to rest and after the summer I'll take my time to think.
Wiktor Nummelin/TT
Facts: France vs Belgium in championships
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In playoffs in the World Championship, Olympics, and Nations League, France and Belgium have met each other six times over the years:
World Championship 1938, round of 16: France-Belgium 3-1
European Championship 1984, group stage: France-Belgium 5-0
World Championship 1986, bronze match: France-Belgium 4-2
World Championship 2018, semifinal: France-Belgium 1-0
Nations League 2021, semifinal: France-Belgium 3-2
European Championship 2024, round of 16: France-Belgium 1-0
