Belgium’s Road to Redemption: Van Bommel’s Impact and an Upcoming Clash with France
Belgium entered the recent international break on a somber note, having been eliminated at the quarter-final stage during World Cup 2026. Despite the setback, fans now have reasons for optimism following the Red Devils’ convincing 2-0 victory over Italy in Van Bommel’s first match as head coach. This landmark win could very well be the catalyst Belgium needs to kickstart their campaign for glory at Euro 2028.
A New Beginning Under Van Bommel
The victory against Italy on Friday was a significant morale booster. Mika Godts opened the scoring in the first half, while Dodi Lukebakio sealed the win with a second-half goal. Beyond the scoreline, Belgium kept a clean sheet for the first time in five matches — a promising sign as they look to build defensive solidity going forward.
Van Bommel’s introduction as coach brought fresh energy and tactical discipline, which shone through in this match. The Red Devils controlled the game effectively and showed resilience against a traditionally strong Italian side. This clean sheet not only breaks a worrying trend but also instills confidence in a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Home Advantage: Belgium’s Fortress
Looking ahead, Belgium’s next challenge isn’t just any fixture—it’s Van Bommel’s inaugural home match in charge. Hosting the game provides a significant advantage, and the Red Devils will be counting on it, especially considering the quality of opposition they are about to face.
Belgium’s home form has been impressive, boasting a nine-game unbeaten run that includes six wins before this upcoming clash. This record speaks volumes about their ability to use the local atmosphere and familiar conditions to their advantage. Playing on home soil is a critical factor in Belgium’s pursuit of success at Euro 2028 and could be the element that tips the balance in tightly contested encounters.
A Tough Test Against France
However, the challenge is steep. Belgium will face France, widely regarded as one of the most potent attacking teams in Europe. This encounter promises to be a thrilling test of Belgium’s defensive improvements and overall strategy under Van Bommel.
Despite their strong home record, Belgium has struggled specifically against France, having lost each of their last five meetings with Les Bleus since June 2015. Overcoming this streak is essential for Belgium’s ambitions and will certainly be a focal point for Van Bommel’s tactical preparations.
France’s Transition Under Zidane
On the other side, France enters this fixture after a narrow 1-0 win over Turkey. Kylian Mbappe scored the decisive goal, but it came with a cost — Mbappe suffered a knee injury and will be sidelined for several weeks. This absence comes as a blow to France’s attack ahead of the clash with Belgium.
New coach Zidane managed to secure a win in his debut match, but it was hardly a dominant display. France had 64% possession but generated only 1.17 expected goals, slightly less than Turkey’s 1.21 xG. This suggests the team might still be adjusting to Zidane’s system, which could influence their performance in the upcoming encounter.
France’s Road Away from Home
While losing Mbappe is a significant setback, France’s away record offers reassurance. They have won eight and drawn one of their last nine matches for which they were the away team. This history of strong performances on the road means Belgium cannot afford to underestimate the visitors, even without their star forward.
What to Expect on Match Day
- Belgium’s Strengths:
- Solid defensive setup under Van Bommel, as evidenced by their first clean sheet in five matches.
- A powerful home record that gives them confidence and momentum.
- Belgium’s Challenges:
- Overcoming the recent losing streak against France.
- Maintaining composure against an experienced French side despite the absence of Mbappe.
- France’s Strengths:
- Consistently strong away match results.
- Tactical depth under Zidane, with multiple attacking options beyond Mbappe.
- France’s Challenges:
- Adjusting to the absence of their star forward.
- Turning possession into more clear-cut chances.
Conclusion: A Key Battle for Euro 2028 Aspirations
Belgium’s journey post-World Cup 2026 elimination is at a crucial juncture. With Van Bommel’s debut win igniting fresh hope and a strong home record to back them up, the Red Devils are set to defend their turf against a formidable French side eager to prove their dominance despite injury setbacks.
This upcoming match is more than just a friendly; it is a preview of the battles that will shape the road to Euro 2028. Both teams will look to make a statement—Belgium to showcase newfound stability and ambition, France to demonstrate resilience and depth without Mbappe.
For the fans, this promises a high-stakes, exciting matchup where every pass, tackle, and goal attempt could have lasting implications for European football’s future landscape.
OUR VERDICT:BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE-YES
