Belgium’s lackluster performance in their goalless draw against Ukraine in Euro 2024 has left their fans frustrated and disappointed. Despite securing a spot in the last 16, the team faced jeers from the supporters as they left the field. Captain Kevin de Bruyne’s decision to play a corner short and not attempt to score from the set-piece was met with intense booing from the Belgium support.
De Bruyne defended his decision, stating that with only one minute left in the game, he didn’t want to take any risks. He understood that people wanted them to win, but he didn’t want to give Ukraine an opportunity to score and turn the game around. However, this move sparked discontent among the fans who had marched to the stadium earlier in huge numbers, chanting and singing De Bruyne’s name.
Belgium’s underwhelming performance throughout the tournament raises concerns about their chances against France in the last-16 tie. De Bruyne emphasized the importance of the fans’ support and expressed that they would need them just as they did in the previous games. However, the team’s exit down the tunnel was met with heavy jeering from the supporters, highlighting the strained relationship between the players and their fans.
In contrast, Ukraine’s players and staff showed appreciation for their supporters despite being knocked out of the competition. The differing reactions from the two teams further highlighted Belgium’s disconnect with their fans.
Manager Domenico Tedesco was surprised by the fans’ reaction but remained proud of his team’s qualification for the next round. He acknowledged that expectations were high due to their previous performances but believed that they had done well given the circumstances.
The preparation for the match was also marred by delays and incidents, such as a slow police convoy and laser pointers being shone on Belgium’s players during the game. These factors added to Tedesco’s frustration and further highlighted the challenges faced by the team.
Critics, including former England striker Alan Shearer and ex-England captain Wayne Rooney, were highly critical of Belgium’s performance. Shearer described them as “terrible,” while Rooney stated that they had no chance if they continued to play in the same manner. Portugal center-back Jose Fonte also expressed his disappointment in Belgium’s lack of willingness to win the game and their apparent lack of enjoyment playing with each other.
With a tough match against France looming, Belgium will need to show significant improvements if they want to progress further in the tournament. The strained relationship with their fans, coupled with the criticism from experts and players, adds additional pressure on the team to deliver a better performance.