Belgium got a much-needed win after a disappointing EURO 2024 campaign. Belgium beat Israel 3-1 in an empty stadium in Hungary.

Although the match was not particularly exciting, the Belgians dominated, showing progress compared to their performance at the previous major tournament. The duo of Kevin De Bruyne – Jeremy Doku created the necessary momentum, helping Domenico Tedesco’s team temporarily weather the storm. However, Lois Openda’s continued inability to score remains a concern.

At the neutral stadium Debrecen, the Belgian team was expected to make a strong statement after a failed tournament. Fans were eager to see more momentum, attacking intensity and a more dynamic style of play, especially in the match against Israel.

As expected, Belgium started with good intensity. The two wings with speedy wingers like Doku and Lukebakio often made pressing runs.

However, it was the finishing that was the Red Devils’ weak point. Last summer in Germany, Belgium scored just two goals in four games and finding the net was once again a challenge. Lois Openda, Romelu Lukaku’s replacement, struggled to settle in and make the difference.

A breakthrough came as expected from Jeremy Doku. The Manchester City player used his pace to get past the Israeli defender, and Kevin De Bruyne converted the cross into a goal. Belgium found the light in Debrecen thanks to the connection between Doku and De Bruyne, the Etihad duo.

This was a game Belgium could not afford to lose. Coach Domenico Tedesco could not afford to make any more mistakes. However, there were still moments that made the whole team tense.

Captain De Bruyne was frustrated by the lack of pressure from the defense. With Jan Vertonghen retiring from international football, Belgium’s shaky defence left them struggling, and they paid the price with a Timothy Castagne own goal.

After the break, Belgium played better. Kevin De Bruyne, who has shone so often at Manchester City, has not always found the same rhythm with the Belgian national team.

However, the performance in the second half showed that when the likes of De Bruyne and Doku shine, coach Tedesco’s ship is fully capable of “riding the wind and turning the waves”. Belgium added two more goals thanks to Youri Tielemans and De Bruyne’s penalty.

Tedesco got the victory they needed, although it is too early to draw important conclusions, as Israel’s squad is not strong enough. Belgium will face France in their second match of the Nations League and this is a special challenge. De Bruyne and his teammates must continue to show a different look, compared to their poor performance in the round of 16 at EURO 2024.