Nothing is going right for Belgium. After being eliminated in the last 16 of Euro 2024 by France (1-0), the team coached by Domenico Tedesco is in deep crisis. Poor results, internal tensions and a record number of injuries have left the Belgian national team in an alarming situation.
With just 4 points from five Nations League matches, the Belgians find themselves out of the running for the Final 8 and must now prepare for a crucial play-off next March to stay in League A. A heavy defeat against Israel could even condemn Belgium to relegation to League B.
The absence of Thibaut Courtois, one of the Red Devils’ historical leaders, continues to polarise debate. In deep disagreement with Domenico Tedesco, the Real Madrid goalkeeper has decided not to return for as long as the German-Italian coach is in charge. This decision adds a further layer of tension to a team already weakened by disappointing performances and complicated internal communication.
The Red Devils and an unprecedented spate of injuries
In addition to this sporting and relational crisis, there was a veritable bloodbath. Twenty players initially shortlisted have withdrawn through injury, an impressive figure that has forced the coach to draw on unexpected resources. Among the notable absentees are key players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku. The latter, a stalwart under Tedesco, injured his knee after playing the entire match against Italy.
Domenico Tedesco made no secret of his frustration in a press conference. “Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it. It feels like the end of the season,” he said. To compensate for these absences, the coach has called up young talents such as Samuel Mbangula (Juventus) and Matte Smets (Genk), but also controversial choices such as Norman Bassette, a substitute at Coventry in English D2, who has not scored in eight games this season.
Against Israel, Belgium will be counting on a squad reduced to 19 players, far from offering the guarantees needed to hope for victory. The match promises to be all the more perilous as the Israelis could, in the event of a significant victory, leapfrog Belgium and send them straight into League B. The play-off next March could well be Domenico Tedesco’s last act as coach, unless he manages to turn things around.
Leave a Reply