Belgium failed tremendously at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Red Devils, tipped as an early favourite to win the tournament did not qualify for the knockout stages.
In the wake of the disastrous tournament, manager Roberto Martinez stepped down and was replaced by Domenico Tedesco.
New era. 🛫 #WirSchaffenDas pic.twitter.com/OW0R2LzMqa— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 17, 2023
New era. 🛫 #WirSchaffenDas pic.twitter.com/OW0R2LzMqa
Although a promising manager, Tedesco was an appointment out of left field for an international job. Martinez was also an unexpected appointment and had success with the team.
On Friday night, the Tedesco era will kick off in Solna as Belgium visit Sweden in Euro qualifying Group F. Sweden did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
However, the Swedes played an assortment of friendlies in November 2022 and January 2023.
Sweden go into the fixture unbeaten in five straight international matches. With Belgium under the leadership of a new manager, Sweden will fancy all three points at home.
Sweden and Belgium played 15 times previously, with their first-ever encounter coming in 1908. The teams have not played a competitive fixture since 2016, as Belgium won 1-0 in the European Championship tournament.
Belgium hold the head-to-head edge over Sweden in their 15 all-time meetings. The Red Devils have a record of 9W-2D-4L. Belgium are on a three-game winning streak versus Sweden in all matches.
Sweden manager Janne Andersson has turned back the clock by calling up AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The striker has had a nightmare the last two seasons due to knee problems. However, at 41, Andersson has given Ibrahimovic another chance to star at the international level.
Andersson will hope Newcastle striker Alexander Isak can continue his recent good form with the national team. Meanwhile, Emil Forsberg, Victor Lindelof, and Albin Ekdal will anchor the team in midfield and defence.
Belgium back-up goalkeeper Simon Mignolet retired from international duty after the World Cup along with Toby Alderweireld. Youri Tielemans is out with an injury, and Michy Batshuayi is suffering from an illness.
Forward Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of the match with an injury. Dries Mertens and Thorgan Hazard were not called into the side. Tedesco is finally trying to bring in new players to the Belgian team after Martinez stuck with the same players for the last few years.
Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku will anchor the team and hope for a better performance post-World Cup. The duo should lead Belgium to a Euro qualifier win, 2-0, over Sweden. Tedesco should get the most out of the squad.