Germany vs Belgium
International Match
Tuesday
28th March 2023
RheinEnergieStadion
Both Germany and Belgium experienced an extremely disappointing World Cup in Qatar. Both superpowers already flew out of the tournament in the group stage. On Tuesday, the neighbouring countries will practise against each other in Cologne. For Domenico Tedesco, the German national coach of Belgium, it promises to be a special meeting.
World Cup flops are preparing for neighbourly quarrel
In conversation with Bild, Tedesco looked back on the elimination of Germany, which had to leave the World Cup early due to Japan’s victory over Spain. “Of course that was painful,” the 37-year-old coach admitted. And it is clear that there will be criticism. But if you look at the matches in detail, things should have turned out differently for the Germans.’
Normally, Germany would have won 4-1 or 4-2 against Japan, Tedesco explained. In reality, the Asian country won 1-2. “Then the course of the tournament might have been different. But I do not agree that German football is on its downfall. Look at the team, that says it all. Germany has many talents and top players aged 23 or 24,” he said.
That does not alter the fact that Tedesco also has its doubts. He added, “Especially when it comes to training talents. You have to get the mentality of the street into it. Just let them play and stimulate their creativity and don’t force them into a tactical straitjacket too early. Then they can better focus on one-on-one situations.”
Full of energy
Then to Belgium, where Tedesco followed in the footsteps of Roberto Martínez. “The challenge appeals to me. Belgium has top players who play all over Europe. Something very beautiful can grow there. After the disappointment at the World Cup, I want to ensure a new start. The end of the golden generation? The players told me there are no problems with that. We have guys who are in their early or mid 20s and players like Kevin De Bruyne who is 31. He looks forward to what is to come and is full of energy,” said the manager.
On Tuesday, Tedesco can live up to his words by winning in his home country. In any case, the start of his era was promising for Belgium. The Red Devils convincingly settled with Sweden in the European Championship qualification. Belgium won 0-3 thanks to three goals from Romelu Lukaku. Germany, automatically qualified for EURO 2024 as hosts, played a friendly against Peru and won 2-0 thanks to two goals from Niclas Füllkrug.
