Belgium vs Montenegro

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Belgium's national football team, the Red Devils, are set to fine-tune their strategies and cohesion ahead of Euro 2024 with an international friendly against Montenegro this Wednesday evening. This match in Brussels marks a critical stage in their preparation, offering a glimpse of what Domenico Tedesco's side might bring to the tournament in Germany. Meanwhile, Montenegro will use this encounter to gear up for their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, aiming to solidify their squad under the guidance of their new coach, Robert Prosinecki.

Match Preview

Belgium has long been regarded as a powerhouse in international football, often entering major tournaments with high expectations due to their roster of star players. However, the absence of key figures like Thibaut Courtois and the aging of stalwarts such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, now in their 30s, have led some bookmakers to rank Belgium only eighth in the list of favorites for Euro 2024. This underestimation could play to the advantage of Tedesco, who has maintained an unbeaten record since taking charge: eight wins and four draws from 12 matches.

While Belgium's unbeaten streak includes a notable victory against Germany and a competitive 2-2 draw with England, their dominance will be tested further in this friendly and the subsequent match against Luxembourg. Tedesco's men aim to extend their undefeated run to 14 games before they face Slovakia in their Euro 2024 opener on June 17.

On the other side, Montenegro is experiencing a resurgence under the leadership of Robert Prosinecki, appointed as head coach in February. Prosinecki’s tenure began promisingly with wins against Belarus and North Macedonia in March, demonstrating the potential for Montenegro to be competitive in the upcoming UEFA Nations League. Historically, Montenegro has been resilient, securing five victories from their last eight matches under the previous management, with only two away losses to Serbia and Hungary.

Belgium's Preparations

The Red Devils approach this friendly with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. The likes of De Bruyne and Lukaku, despite being over 30, still bring invaluable experience and skill. Tedesco's tactical acumen has been evident in their recent performances, and he will likely use this match to experiment with line-ups and strategies that could be crucial for their success in Euro 2024.

A significant focus will be on Belgium's defense, especially in the absence of Courtois. The goalkeeper’s role is expected to be filled by Simon Mignolet or Koen Casteels, who will need to demonstrate their capability to step up in high-stakes situations. Additionally, the attacking prowess of De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Eden Hazard will be under scrutiny, as they are expected to lead the charge against Montenegro's defense.

Montenegro's Challenge

Montenegro arrives in Brussels with a renewed sense of optimism. Prosinecki has quickly instilled confidence in his squad, which includes a mix of seasoned players and young prospects. The victories over Belarus and North Macedonia were a testament to their improved defensive organization and tactical discipline. These matches have also highlighted the attacking potential of players like Stevan Jovetić, who will be crucial if Montenegro is to challenge Belgium effectively.

Prosinecki will likely use this match to further instill his philosophy and to test his team's resilience against one of Europe’s top sides. With fixtures against Georgia, Turkey, Wales, and Iceland on the horizon in the UEFA Nations League, this friendly is an excellent opportunity for Montenegro to measure their progress and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Historical Context and Expectations

The history between Belgium and Montenegro is sparse, with only one previous encounter ending in a 2-2 draw back in May 2012. That match saw a young Eden Hazard among the scorers for Belgium, a reminder of how far both teams have come since then. This friendly serves not just as preparation but also as a measure of development and progress for both sides.

For Belgium, the expectations are high. Despite being underdogs according to some betting odds, the quality and depth of their squad make them a formidable opponent. Tedesco will aim to fine-tune his tactics and ensure that his team is peaking at the right moment. For Montenegro, this match is a chance to build momentum and confidence, showcasing their growth under Prosinecki’s leadership.

Key Players to Watch

• Kevin De Bruyne: The Manchester City playmaker remains one of the best midfielders in the world. His vision, passing, and leadership will be crucial for Belgium.
• Romelu Lukaku: The powerful striker has a proven track record at the international level. His ability to find the back of the net will be pivotal for Belgium’s attacking endeavors.
• Eden Hazard: Although not in his prime, Hazard's experience and skill can still turn matches. His role will be closely watched as he aims to make a significant impact.
• Stevan Jovetić: Montenegro's captain and talisman. His creativity and goal-scoring ability will be essential for Montenegro’s chances.

Conclusion

As Belgium and Montenegro prepare to face off in this friendly, both teams have clear objectives. For Belgium, it’s about refining their strategies and extending their unbeaten run under Tedesco as they head into Euro 2024 with confidence. For Montenegro, it’s an opportunity to continue their positive trajectory under Prosinecki and to solidify their squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League.

This match promises to be an intriguing contest, providing valuable insights into the readiness of both teams. Football fans will be eager to see how Belgium’s experienced stars perform and how Montenegro’s revitalized squad handles the challenge. Regardless of the outcome, this friendly is set to be a fascinating prelude to the upcoming international competitions.