Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Ukraine saw the side through to the Round of 16 in second place. As a result, the side will now face France in the Euro 2024 Round of 16. Speaking after the game, Leicester City defender Wout Faes said ‘Sooner or later you have to get past the big countries‘. Many Belgian fans will point out that in three games so far, the side have only played well once against the so called ‘smaller’ countries.
When the draw was made for the group stages of Euro 2024, many predicted that Belgium would win their group easily. However, it was Romania, the only side Belgium beat, that ended up finishing in first place. Belgium were a Ukrainian goal away from an early exit. The sides performance against Ukraine was met by boo’s from the travelling Belgian fans, with their frustration with their side at similar levels to that of England fans. The side were holding the ball in the corner to protect the 0-0 draw with time running down, something that most fans found incredibly frustrating.
Now they face one of the favourites in France. While the French have hardly been in the best of form, they have plenty of world class talent that Belgium will have to contain. If they can stop Kylian Mbappe having an impact, they will have a chance. However, their own performance must improve dramatically. Against Romania they did show glimpses of what they can do, but the lack of consistency has really hampered them so far this tournament.
Belgium will be underdogs, but another lackluster performance will see many question whether or not Domenico Tedesco is the right man to lead the Red Devils into the next World Cup.
