Despite securing a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stage, the Belgium national football team faced boos from their own fans after a lackluster performance in their last group stage match against Ukraine. Despite finishing second in their group, behind Romania, the fans made it clear that they were unhappy with their team's performance. The team's captain, Kevin De Bruyne, was even booed when he was announced as the Player of the Match. This comes after a controversial handball call in their opening match against Slovakia and a win against Romania in their second match.
Belgium's Euro 2024 Disappointment: Fans Boo Team Despite Knockout Stage Qualification
Despite securing a spot in the knockout stage of Euro 2024, the Belgium national football team faced significant criticism from their own fans after a disappointing performance in their final group stage match against Ukraine.
Background
Belgium entered the tournament as one of the favorites, boasting a star-studded squad led by Kevin De Bruyne. However, their performance throughout the group stage was underwhelming, leaving fans frustrated.
In their opening match, Belgium was held to a 1-1 draw by Slovakia after a controversial handball decision denied them a penalty. They then eked out a narrow 2-1 victory over Romania in their second match.
Uninspiring Performance against Ukraine
The nadir of Belgium's group stage campaign came in their final match against Ukraine. Despite needing a win to finish top of the group, the team produced a lackluster performance and could only manage a goalless draw.
The fans' frustration was palpable, and they voiced their displeasure by booing the team off the field. Even De Bruyne, the team's captain and one of the world's best midfielders, was booed when he was named Player of the Match.
Fan Criticism
The fans' criticism stemmed from several factors, including:
Coach Roberto Martinez's Response
Coach Roberto Martinez defended his team but acknowledged the fans' frustration. He stated that the team had "not created enough chances" and that they needed to "improve our rhythm and our precision."
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