Van Bommel insists Belgium were not outplayed following disappointing loss

Mark van Bommel insists Belgium were not outplayed by France, despite surrendering a late lead in a 4-1 Nations League defeat in Paris. France scored four times in the final 13 minutes after Belgium had looked set for a famous victory.

Dodi Lukebakio’s 35th-minute strike kept Belgium ahead for much of the match. However, Zinedine Zidane’s substitutes transformed the contest.

Desire Doue equalized in the 77th minute, Rayan Cherki quickly put France in front, and Michael Olise completed the scoring with a brace.

This was Belgium’s second loss to France in the international break. Wins over Italy and Türkiye leave them on six points from four games in Group A1. 

They currently sit third, one point behind Italy and four behind leaders France. Next they travel to Türkiye before hosting Italy on 15 November.

France largely dominated, enjoying 65.6% possession, 23 shots (eight on target) and 2.0 expected goals. 

Belgium managed only five attempts, two on target, and 0.6 xG, with just 0.04 of that coming after half-time.

Van Bommel said they struggled in the first ten minutes against French pressure. 

He admitted they were too restless at times, but added that their organization gradually improved and they were even able to take the lead with a world-class goal. 

The Belgium manager added that, despite the result, they had not been outplayed there. He would not deny that they had suffered a big defeat, but he had seen in the past two weeks that the boys had worked well and shown great things. 

He added that it was a shame about those fifteen minutes, because he had seen more positive than negative things in those four matches.

He praised a fantastic pass from Romeo Lavia that Lukebakio finished excellently. Van Bommel noted that when they gained control, they were able to play through it, though those periods were short-lived.