Belgium were eliminated from Euro 2024 in heart-breaking fashion as Jan Vertonghen’s attempt to block Randal Kolo Muani’s late strike instead led to the ball deflecting into his own goal as France eventually ran out 1-0 winners in Dusseldorf.
Domenico Tedesco’s decision to switch to a 4-4-2 formation for the last-16 clash allowed the Red Devils to be more defensively sound, and they limited Les Bleus to limited opportunities on goal in the first half. However, Belgium struggled to launch attacks of their own either, as Romelu Lukaku struggled to get the better of William Saliba up front.
The game opened up slightly in the second half, as Aurelien Tchouameni tested Koen Casteels from range and Kylian Mbappe fired over on two occasions, while Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne stung the palms of Mike Maignan at the other end.
However, it was Vertonghen’s own goal that eventually settled matters, as Belgium again exited a major tournament at a far earlier stage than they would have expected when they arrived in Germany.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Koen Casteels (6/10):
Didn’t have to work hard to make his saves, with his best coming low to his left to deny Tchouameni from long-range. Had no chance for the winner.
Timothy Castagne (7/10):
Given the daunting task of dealing with Mbappe and Hernandez down the France left, but coped admirably while showing increasing confidence when in possession.
Wout Faes (7/10):
Far more solid than in previous games, as he won tackles and threw himself in front of shots to make blocks.
Jan Vertonghen (6/10):
A couple of dodgy early passes apart, the veteran stood up well to what France threw at him. So unfortunate with the deflection for Kolo Muani’s goal.
Arthur Theate (5/10):
Looked a little overawed by the occasion and thus misplaced the odd pass or made the wrong defensive decision.
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Midfield
Yannick Carrasco (5/10):
Did good defensive work in front of Castagne, but wasted his best attacking opportunities when he twice waited too long to either shoot or pass, allowing Hernandez to track him down.
Amadou Onana (5/10):
Covered plenty of ground defensively and broke up play, but he offered little in possession, and gave the ball away in dangerous areas on more than one occasion.
Kevin De Bruyne (4/10):
Not suited to this formation whatsoever as he struggled to get into the game for the first hour. Better when moved further forward after Openda’s substitution, but should have scored when Maignan denied him in the final 10 minutes.
Jeremy Doku (5/10):
Caused problems with his fast-paced dribbling, and drew a couple of yellow card-worthy fouls. Final ball was again lacking, though.
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Attack
Romelu Lukaku (2/10):
Almost anonymous for long stretches. Had just eight touches in the first half as Saliba got the better of their battle. Had more success when he moved over to Upamecano’s side in the second half, but only effort on goal was parried away by Maignan.
Lois Openda (6/10):
Worked hard and caused panic with a couple of runs in behind. Couldn’t strike up any chemistry with Lukaku, though, and was replaced just after the hour mark.
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Subs & Manager
Orel Mangala (6/10):
Gave Belgium some drive from midfield after replacing Openda.
Dodi Lukebakio (N/A):
Thrown on once France went ahead.
Charles De Ketelaere (N/A):
Chucked on for the final five minutes.
Domenico Tedesco (4/10):
Change of system allowed his team to be more solid defensively, but it meant his two best players – De Bruyne and Lukaku – were unable to make any impact on the game.
