Van Bommel targets attacking Belgium approach in Zidane showdown

Van Bommel relishing Belgium’s test against France

Mark van Bommel has challenged Belgium to preserve the intensity and attacking ambition that delivered a 2-0 victory over Italy as his side prepares to face France and new head coach Zinedine Zidane.

Van Bommel made a winning start after replacing Rudi Garcia, with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio scoring in either half at the Stadio Olimpico. Belgium’s performance was backed by an expected-goals total of 2.76 from 19 shots, compared with Italy’s 1.70 xG from 21 attempts.

The coach now faces a significantly tougher assignment against France, who began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Turkiye. Kylian Mbappe scored in that match but has since been ruled out of the Belgium fixture after being diagnosed with hyperextension in his left knee.

“I think it's a shame that Mbappe isn't there, because you always want to have the best footballers playing against you,” Van Bommel said.

Van Bommel also welcomed the opportunity to go up against Zidane, whom he faced during his playing career in a Barcelona–Real Madrid clash.

“It is special to coach against someone like that,” Van Bommel said. “He was an exceptional footballer and I played against him once, with Barcelona against Real Madrid.”

Despite the loss of France’s leading star, Van Bommel does not intend to alter Belgium’s identity. He said the team’s focus on intensity and work rate would remain, while acknowledging that the quality of the opposition must be taken into account.

“The idea has to remain the same. Of course, you have to take the quality of the opponent into account, but that does not change our style of play,” he said.

Belgium will face Turkiye at home after the France match before meeting Zidane’s side again at the Stade de France on October 5.