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Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne believes Belgium’s plan worked to perfection in their narrow defeat to France in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024, Soccernet.football reports.
2018 World Cup winners France were the favourites to advance to the quarterfinals against a Belgian side that finished runners-up in Group E.
France had not been excellent themselves in Germany, with Didier Deschamps’ men scrapping into the knockout rounds with one win and two draws.
However, nothing separated the two teams inside the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf for 84 minutes before Jan Vertonghen deflected a scuffed Kolo Muani shot past his own goalkeeper.
Kevin De Bruyne is convinced Belgium’s plan kept France quiet until that goal but he is sad the Red Devils’ journey in another major tournament is over.
“It is a pity. We had a plan and we executed that plan pretty well,” the former Chelsea star told UEFA.
“We knew that with their qualities they would have more of the ball. We had our moments, although there weren’t very many. But we could be dangerous. Our plan was good until their goal came. Then we had little time to respond.”
De Bruyne added: “I tried to do everything I could. Today I played in a more defensive position and did everything I could to help the team, although it is a shame that I could not finish my chance. This is not what we wanted, but although we were not one of the favourites, I think we let ourselves down in the match against Slovakia.”
With the victory, France will now prepare to face the winner of the clash between Portugal and Slovenia in the quarters.
