The first international break of the 2024 calendar year is over. The next time the national teams gather will be just before the European Championship. So a balance can gradually be made in the run-up to the final round in Germany.
During the previous two European championships, Belgium was always counted among the (shadow) favorites. However, things went completely wrong in 2016 after a tactical fiasco against Wales. In 2021, a very battered team was defeated in the quarter-finals by the later winner Italy.
The Belgians can take revenge next summer. In principle, the group stage should not pose a problem. Slovakia, Romania and especially Ukraine should not be underestimated, but a group win seems only logical for the Devils.
Playing by surprise
However, the knockout phase is a completely different story. Without any major surprises, Belgium will soon face an absolutely top country. And the question is whether the selection of national coach Domenico Tedesco is strong enough to beat one of the favorites.
Analyst Marc Degryse already fears this. “No top country normally follows in the 1/8th final, but from the quarter-final onwards they do. And that was not possible with the ‘Golden Generation’ either. The semi-finals once, so yes… You have to be realistic. The expectations temper and play a good tournament in a surprising way,” he said VTM.
Mulder believes in it
However, his colleague Jan Mulder is much more optimistic. The Dutchman even dares to openly speculate about the European title. “A Belgian says it’s not possible and a Dutch person says it is, that’s strange,” he said jokingly. “Can the Netherlands become European champion? No, but Belgium can.”
Tags: Netherlands European champion Belgium
