Belgium's Tedesco Reflects On Painful Euro 2024 Exit Ahead Of France Clash

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Belgium's coach, Domenico Tedesco, acknowledges that the team is still reeling from their Euro 2024 exit to France. As they gear up for their Nations League clash on Monday, the memory of their 1-0 defeat in the round of 16 lingers. An own goal by Jan Vertonghen in the 85th minute sealed Belgium's fate after a lacklustre tournament.

Reflecting on the European Championship match against France, Tedesco remarked, "At the European Championship, it was a close one against France. We could have won too. France were a bit better, they deserved to win, but we also had our chances. It would be a lie if I said that match is forgotten. It still hurts."

Tedesco admitted that Belgium's over-preparation for the Euro 2024 match against France backfired. He explained that their game plan adjustments were excessive and ultimately detrimental. "The last match at the European Championship was different from the one now; it was a knockout match," he added.

He emphasised the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past defeats. "Looking back is not always the best solution. We have to be ambitious; it's been a long time since we beat France in a competitive match with commitment," Tedesco stated.

The previous encounter between Belgium and France in July was tightly contested, with both teams managing only two shots on target each. However, France had 19 overall attempts compared to Belgium's five. Tedesco aims to forget that meeting and focus on achieving a more positive result this time around.

"We learned that we adjusted our own plans a bit too much then," Tedesco noted. He stressed the need for balance when analysing opponents without overcomplicating their strategy.

Tedesco remains hopeful for a better outcome in their upcoming Nations League match against France. He believes that with commitment and ambition, Belgium can perform well and achieve favourable results.

The Belgian team is determined to move past their Euro 2024 disappointment and focus on future challenges with renewed vigour and strategic clarity.