Belgian media praise Van Bommel’s progress but sound alarm after France collapse

Mark van Bommel’s first international window as Belgium coach ended with sharply contrasting assessments after France overturned a Belgian lead to win 4-1. Belgium went ahead after 35 minutes and remained in contention until the 77th, when the hosts began a four-goal surge that transformed the match.

The result left Van Bommel with two victories and two defeats from his opening four games. Belgium beat Turkey and Italy but lost twice to France, collecting six points from a possible 12. Belgian coverage nevertheless highlighted the team’s competitive level for much of Monday’s game and the changes already visible under the Dutch coach.

Roméo Lavia emerged as the principal positive. The 22-year-old created Belgium’s goal with a long pass from his own half to release Dodi Lukebakio. Sporza celebrated the midfielder’s first-half contribution, while Het Nieuwsblad described him, as relayed by Voetbalzone, as “the only Belgian player” France might envy. French substitutes Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki were widely credited with helping change the contest.

The final quarter-hour generated much of the criticism. Het Laatste Nieuws said Belgium collapsed like a house of cards and warned, via VI, that “the light must never go out so abruptly.” Sporza called the defeat a painful reversal, while journalist Peter Vandenbempt viewed it as evidence of a significant gap between Belgium and the world’s leading sides. Van Bommel’s task is now to preserve the promising foundations while preventing another sudden breakdown.