LBelgium conceded a defeat by the smallest margin against Italy (0-1) in the fifth and penultimate match of the Nations League group stage played Thursday evening at the King Baudouin stadium. After this setback, disappointment inevitably reigns in the Red Devils camp.
“In the first half, we were not good,” Arthur Theate told RTL Sports after the match. “Italy made a lot of rotations and we didn’t expect so much, especially on their right side, so on the left for us. We were able to rectify that for the 2nd period where we were more aggressive and we recovered balls much higher. We had opportunities that we weren’t able to capitalize on, it’s a shame. Not everything has to be thrown away, but the result remains the same: it’s 0-1 at home. The only thing to do is to continue to work, stay together and take the positives from the 2nd half. »
Timothy Castagne also highlights these missed opportunities and this difficulty in starting a match well. “We often have trouble starting,” said the defender. “We take too long to find our feet and set up the dry cleaners. It’s clear that we’re still looking for each other, because we have combinations that don’t work. Above all, we must find a way to better enter the match. The first ten or fifteen minutes, we were running in the void and then you look a bit like an imbecile because you are running for nothing. We were at odds with each action”
Concerning the supporters, Castagne completely understands the frustration which is mounting after this new disappointing performance. “Afterwards, in my position, there is no point in going to press the central defender and leaving my place. But collectively, we try to give everything for the team and for the supporters. We are obviously disappointed with the result this evening and in previous matches because we have had a string of bad results. I think it’s not a question of technical quality, but the Italians have worked so hard on their playing system which is much more established than us. »
Belgium
