In a commanding performance, Belgium's national football team, known as the Rode Duivels, bounced back from a recent defeat to triumph with a decisive 3-0 victory over Ukraine on Sunday evening, March 23, 2025. This victory not only secured their place in League A of the Nations League but also showcased the talents of players like Hans Vanaken, who made an impressive mark during the match.
From the outset, the Rode Duivels displayed a higher intensity and pressure, dominating the game especially in the first half. Football analysts were quick to notice the strong display, particularly by Kevin De Bruyne. Jan Mulder, one of the analysts, observed, “Belgium plays well; De Bruyne is fabulous, he is putting in a lot of effort.” Nevertheless, despite this dominance, the team initially struggled to convert possession into clear goal-scoring opportunities. Mulder commented on this lack of creativity, stating, “There’s a sort of electromechanics missing at the front.”
Belgium's breakthrough finally came when Hans Vanaken, starting in the lineup, contributed significantly to the attack. He was instrumental in creating a strong partnership with De Bruyne and Nicolas Raskin, with the trio displaying excellent coordination throughout the game. Vanaken’s standout moment was a brilliant assist that set up Romelu Lukaku's 3-0 goal, an effort that solidified Belgium's victory. Vanaken’s performance caught the attention of Marc Degryse, who said, “Now Rudi Garcia and the football association think he deserves a chance, and that has taken long enough.”
Reflecting on Vanaken’s improvement, Jan Mulder remarked, “You could see Vanaken change into the player he is at Club Brugge when that goal was scored. He played today with conviction like we’ve never seen from him in the national team before.” There was a palpable sense of relief surrounding the team; after a painful loss just a few days prior, the players responded strongly, rectifying their mistakes from the previous game. Garcia’s decisions came under scrutiny after the last match, but he saw his tactical choices validated with this emphatic win.
Nicolas Raskin, making his debut in the starting lineup, also impressed with his dynamic midfield presence. Degryse praised Raskin for seizing his opportunity effectively, mentioning that he “simply grabbed his chance. It can be that simple, that’s how football works.” Raskin faced a challenging start after receiving a yellow card just five minutes into the match but handled the pressure well and contributed significantly to both defense and attack.
Despite the earlier doubts about the lineup choices, both Degryse and Mulder agreed on the strength of the team’s organization and intensity compared to the previous match. “This was not just a flicker of class from Lukaku; it was a complete collective effort,” Mulder highlighted, noting the importance of coordination among the players.
Belgium's relentless pressure yielded fruit as they battled through Ukraine’s robust defense, recognized for its resilience. Frank Boeckx stated, “If there’s a team that deserves to be ahead, it is Belgium. Only they have to put that in the net.” With Vanaken performing at his peak alongside De Bruyne, the tactical adjustments made by Garcia appeared to be paying off.
As the match progressed, the players’ improved adaptability and sharper execution became evident. Mulder expressed enthusiasm as Lukaku scored, saying, “That single goal by Lukaku, wow! That moment, that electricity— it just pushed us over the edge.” This pivotal goal not only boosted team morale but also significantly shifted the momentum in Belgium’s favor.
With this victory, the Rode Duivels reaffirmed their potential and skill, proving once again why they are considered one of the competitive teams in European football. The impact of Vanaken, Raskin, and De Bruyne in conjunction creates a lineup that can challenge any opponent. Degryse expressed that bringing together Vanaken and De Bruyne on the field signifies progress for the team, emphasizing, “That’s a step forward for the Rode Duivels; it makes us stronger.”
Looking to the future, this match serves as a clear demonstration of the team’s capabilities when they are firing on all cylinders. The challenge now lies in maintaining this momentum as they prepare for upcoming contests. With supporters hopeful, the performance against Ukraine offers a renewed sense of optimism for Belgian football.
