Mansion Sports – After only two matches as Belgium’s head coach, Mark van Bommel has already managed to impress the Belgian media and public.

Although De Rode Duivels lost 1-0 to France in his second match, the team’s performance received plenty of praise.

The defeat was certainly a disappointing result for Van Bommel. However, the way Belgium played in his first two matches showed clear changes, particularly in terms of courage, intensity, and an attacking approach.

Belgium Show Courage From the Start

After a 2-0 victory over Italy last week, Belgium once again performed for long periods on Monday night as though they could secure another positive result. However, Michael Olise scored the only goal of the match shortly before the final whistle.

It was a blow for Van Bommel, but praise for his team continued to pour in.

“If there is one observation after the first two international matches under Mark van Bommel: arrive at the stadium on time. Or make sure you are ready on the sofa, because from the first second everything is at ‘full throttle’ — regardless of who the opponent is,” Het Laatste Nieuws wrote after Van Bommel’s first two matches as coach.

“What is pleasing about Mark van Bommel is that he is not intimidated. No matter how technically superior France are, Belgium still remain on the halfway line when building from the back. One-on-one.”

“Two years ago, Belgium stood out for their caution and fear, but now at least this team has courage. They do not retreat into a bunker. They also do not build a defensive wall full of sandbags. Or switch to a five-man defense. Quite the opposite.”

Belgian Media Captivated by Van Bommel

After just two matches, Belgium already appear genuinely impressed with Van Bommel.

“This is how you win the hearts of an entire nation. This is why on Monday night you are willing to face heavy traffic on the Brussels Ring.”

“Or, as a child, stay up a little later than usual just this once — after all, it will not hurt just this once, will it, Mom and Dad? Is everything perfect? No. But The Devils are entertaining. They do not allow themselves to be intimidated,” HLN wrote.

“At a packed King Baudouin Stadium, The Red Devils did exactly what head coach Mark van Bommel asked of them: press the opponent with full courage, while completely believing in their own chances,” de Standaard added.

“First defeat for Mark van Bommel. However, the head coach still managed to win the hearts of the supporters,” Het Nieuwsblad wrote.

“The appointment of Mark van Bommel as head coach naturally caused a stir: a distinctive Dutch sauce has been poured over The Red Devils.”

Van Bommel Also Satisfied With the Team’s Performance

Van Bommel himself was also not disappointed with his players’ performance.

“I told the players that I could not blame them for anything. If you look at how quickly they understood the way we want to play, they did very well.”

“The small details determine whether you win or not. That also happened at the World Cup. So we are on the right track. On the one hand, I am satisfied, but on the other hand, you still lose this match.”