Belgium Lose De Bruyne and Tielemans to Suspension for France Clash
Belgium Lose De Bruyne and Tielemans to Suspension for France Clash
Belgium will be without captain Youri Tielemans and midfield talisman Kevin De Bruyne when they meet France in the Nations League on Monday, with De Bruyne and Tielemans suspended for the Stade de France clash.
The pair are suspended after being cautioned in successive games. They must serve a one-match ban and will sit out the last of four Nations League games played over 10 days in the international window.
De Bruyne and Tielemans Suspended After Successive Cautions
De Bruyne was the hero of Belgium’s 3-0 home win over Turkey in Liege on Friday, scoring twice before picking up a caution late in the game for an outburst after being fouled.
“Kevin was simply frustrated and, in my opinion, didn’t even realise the consequences of the yellow card,” Belgium coach Mark van Bommel said.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to score the third, his 94th goal for the Belgian national team, extending his record as the country’s top scorer.
Van Bommel’s Scrappy Start
Friday’s triumph was Van Bommel’s second win in his first three games in charge, but he admitted the performance was far from polished.
“We were very sloppy in possession,” Van Bommel said. “As a result, we gave the opponent the feeling that they could create chances. Before our second goal, we didn’t string 20 passes together.”
“It was a ping-pong match. It went back and forth for a long time, without me ever feeling that we were going to lose,” he added. “But I think you saw an entertaining game. It’s just not something you like to see as a coach. Those things have to be eliminated. Then our level will improve and the opponent will have fewer opportunities to stay in the game.”
Of veterans De Bruyne, 35, and Lukaku, 33, he said: “It’s great what they are still doing for the national team. Not only for themselves, but also for the rest of the team. On a good day, they pull the others along with them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are De Bruyne and Tielemans missing the France game?
Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans were cautioned in successive Nations League matches, triggering one-match suspensions. They miss Belgium’s game against France on October 5.
When is Belgium vs France?
The Nations League match takes place on Monday, October 5, at the Stade de France.
How did Belgium fare against Turkey?
Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in Liege, with De Bruyne scoring twice and Romelu Lukaku adding his 94th international goal off the bench.
