Belgium will be without captain Youri Tielemans and midfield playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for their Nations League meeting with France at the Stade de France today.
The pair are suspended after collecting cautions in successive matches and must serve one-match bans. Their absence comes in the final game of Belgium’s four Nations League fixtures played across a 10-day international window.
De Bruyne was instrumental in Belgium’s 3-0 home victory over Turkey in Liege on Friday. However, he was booked late in the match after reacting angrily to being fouled.
The suspensions represent a significant setback for Belgium as they prepare to face France, with De Bruyne having played a central role in the win over Turkey and Tielemans leading the side as captain.
Modric ‘ashamed’ after Croatia’s record defeat
Croatia captain Luka Modric said he was ashamed of his team’s performance after their 7-0 defeat by England in Rijeka on Saturday.
The result was the heaviest loss in Croatia’s history. Their previous worst defeat had been a 6-0 reverse against Spain in 2018.
Modric, Croatia’s most-capped player, said the way his side performed against England was unacceptable.
“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness … I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game,” he told Jutarnji.
Ancelotti pleased with Brazil tour
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said he was satisfied with his players’ performances during their first tour since Brazil’s last-16 exit from the World Cup in July.
The tour concluded with a 4-0 victory over India, following two matches against Australia.
Ancelotti made extensive changes to his line-up across the three friendlies, ensuring that every member of his 26-man squad received playing time.
Only Vinicius Jr and Danilo started all three matches, while eight players made their international debuts.
The 4-0 win over India brought Brazil’s first tour since their World Cup exit to a conclusion after three matches.
