Like Lucas Stassin, the Diablotins tried everything to overcome the Czech Republic. But a big lack of success, combined with two huge defensive errors, weighed too heavily in the balance.
The Imps are condemned to the feat. In its first play-off for accession to Euro 2025, the U21 national team was beaten by the Czech Republic this Friday evening, on two very avoidable errors. The disappointment was therefore immense in the ranks of Gill Swerts’ players, as Lucas Stassin could attest.
“There is disappointment. We had opportunities to do better, but we have to accept it. We have to do even more, try to make less of these little mistakes which cost goals, and be more efficient up front.”
Efficiency, a key word. The Imps had numerous chances in the first half, even more in the second, saw Stassin have a goal ruled out for an offside position, but ultimately never managed to take the Czech goalkeeper behind. Belgium had many more chances than their opponent in the evening, but did not materialize them.
The feat is possible on the return, but it will be necessary to bring out the perfect match
Aligned in an attacking duo alongside Roméo Vermant, Lucas Stassin nevertheless tried everything. “We had several possibilities, the goalkeeper made a few saves. With Roméo, we each had chances. The result of the match does not at all reflect the nature of the match”, regretted the Saint-Etienne scorer.
It will therefore be necessary to score three goals in the Czech Republic to see Slovakia and Euro 2025. For this, the Diablotins will be able to rely on the phase of Stassin’s canceled goal, with, above all, the sharp ball from Matteo Dams, who celebrated his debut with the hopes. “He has integrated well, he always gives his all and has brought something extra to the team,” concluded Lucas Stassin.
