'What will you tell us then!?': Kevin De Bruyne clashes with booing Belgium fans
Belgium secured their place in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 following a 0-0 draw with Ukraine. However, by the Belgium fan's reaction, you would think they were knocked out.
Having finished second in Group E on four points, Belgium will face France in the opening knockout round and will play on the much tougher side of the draw now they have finished second.
Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne was walking over to applaud the section of Belgium fans, but he and his teammates were met by boos and fierce criticism after another underwhelming result.
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The discontent was so loud that the Manchester City star forced him and his teammates to turn around and walk down the tunnel. The Belgium captain's name was booed when he was named Player of the Match during the game.
According to The Mirror, De Bruyne said: "We would have preferred to win this game, but so be it. Let me ask you this, what if we went all out to attack and we conceded a goal to go out? What will you [media] tell us then?"
"I can understand the reactions. We didn't win, and we're not first in our group, but I can't say that my teammates didn't give it all to win this match. We did the job, we qualified after losing our first game."
The odds were stacked against Belgium before the whistle was blown against Ukraine, having arrived late to the game because of traffic and the team getting a reduced warm-up as a result.
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco said: "Obviously, the supporters are not delighted to play the French. Otherwise, they wouldn't have whistled the team. I don't know the reason for the whistles. For our part, I can tell you that we are here to play big matches."
BBC Sports reports that during the game, lasers were pointed at the Belgium players, including De Bruyne, who informed referee Anthony Taylor after the incident.
After an underwhelming group stage campaign, can Belgium pick up their performances and beat Kylian Mbappe's French team in the next round?
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