The Pink Devils have been eradicated by France (0-1), however not outplayed. After a European Championship with one win in 4 video games, you do not construct a future on that commentary.
Was there a second after the Pink Devils’ dramatic match towards Ukraine when Domenico Tedesco subjected himself to a extreme examination of conscience? What was actually occurring within the German’s thoughts earlier than the match towards France? That he invoked as an excuse after the defeat towards Ukraine that the bus had arrived late on the stadium as a result of the escorting police didn’t use flashing lights is solely laughable.
And it makes it clear: for Tedesco this event was an excessive amount of to ask. Hardly any communication with the media, meaningless texts. Maybe he ought to take a leaf out of his ebook, his two years youthful compatriot Julian Nagelsmann, who takes three quarters of an hour earlier than each match and greater than ten minutes to present an interview to German tv on the fringe of the taking part in area.
High coaches ought to be dignified after slip-ups. Footballers too, by the best way. That Kevin De Bruyne despatched the gamers to the dressing room after the match towards Ukraine when the followers began to whistle was simply as unlucky because the perspective of Romelu Lukaku who refused to speak to the media. In successes, the striker is all the time within the entrance row.
Kevin De Bruyne, disenchanted after the elimination on the European Championship. © Isosport
However qualifying for the quarter finals may make up for every part. Because the match towards France approached, optimism rose within the Belgian camp. Domenico Tedesco as soon as once more got here up with a special area line-up. Two defensive midfielders towards Slovakia however just one towards France, which shocked many. Similar to the truth that Loïs Openda was allowed to play as a striker alongside Romelu Lukaku.
It was stated prematurely that the Pink Devils needed to present braveness towards France, however that was not the case. The truth is, the workforce appeared to imagine too little in itself. In opposition to the sluggish France, who initially hardly performed soccer, they however held out for a very long time and the hope for a purpose remained. There have been two possibilities to attain, however that was too meager over all the match. The French had a lot of the ball possession and the very best possibilities. Their victory was not undeserved.
The Pink Devils greeted the Belgian supporters who had travelled with them. © IMAGO/Revierfoto
This EC was a seek for the proper steadiness and the proper area occupation for the Belgians. It’s a must to blame Domenico Tedesco for that within the first place. His report is due to this fact inadequate: one win, one draw and two defeats. And that every time with the goalkeeper, Koen Casteels, as the very best man. Whereas there have been doubts about him beforehand. The religion of Tedesco, skilled of the Bundesliga, in Casteels is a feather in his cap. Thibaut Courtois was not missed at any time.
However is {that a} foundation to proceed? The Pink Devils want stability and recognisability, clear patterns, a philosophy of play. And positively not the frequent shuffling and fearful soccer that was seen too typically at this European Championship. Tedesco will undoubtedly be held chargeable for that in an analysis. However will it then result in a turnaround? The German, who appeared to carry a brand new impetus and a special dynamism to the workforce after his appointment, continues to be underneath contract for 2 years; a dismissal would price some huge cash. And was it not due to the assumption in his mission that that contract was prolonged prematurely? Though it’s presently unclear which mission it considerations.
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France 1-0 Belgium: Personal purpose sends Les Bleus into quarter-finals
Faucet under to learn the report 👇
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 1, 2024
VAR proves its price
Within the meantime, this European Championship stays a soccer occasion. After the 2006 World Cup, it’s a new soccer fairytale in Germany, whereas that was not thought of attainable. Everybody stays amazed at what the ability of soccer continues to radiate, on the connecting character that you simply see in all places in these darkish occasions.
A lot of that effervescent enthusiasm has to do with the contemporary play of the German nationwide workforce, who’re bouncing again for this European Championship after a collection of disappointing performances. This event offers an optimistic vibe in a rustic with a stalled economic system and divided society. The quarter-final towards Spain is scheduled for Friday. By far the very best workforce, with approach, inventiveness and opportunism, plus the flexibility to play soccer at an insanely excessive tempo.
On this European Championship, there’s a partial change of energy on the prime. Defending champion Italy was despatched house with depressing soccer, England stumbled to the quarter finals, Portugal was not convincing and France barely flashed, regardless of the victory towards the Pink Devils. The Netherlands, which needed to turn into a swinging workforce once more underneath nationwide coach Ronald Koeman, performs like a headless rooster, with Koeman recurrently deviating from his rules. As an alternative, Austria and Switzerland present different impulses. Similar to Romania, thought of by many prematurely to be one of many weakest groups.
That is additionally the European Championship of the VAR, which as soon as once more proves its price and applies the foundations to the letter. Fast choices present the way it ought to be carried out and the rule that solely captains are allowed to speak with the referee, as in rugby, is a blessing for soccer. Although many individuals must get used to it. Actually the place the VAR is worried. In that respect, soccer stays a conservative world that right here and there shuts itself off from technological developments.
