MY ACCOUNT
Simon Mignolet hopes Belgium can learn from their shock 4-1 defeat to the Netherlands, who outclassed the world’s second-ranked team in Brussels.
The form book was on Belgium’s side heading into their Nations League opener at home to the Oranje on Friday.
The Red Devils had not lost to their neighbours since September 1997 and had not lost to any side at home since September 2016.
But both of those runs came to an end as Belgium were blown away, with Mignolet – in for Champions League final hero Thibaut Courtois – left horribly exposed.
Nine of the Netherlands’ 15 shots came over a 25-minute first-half stretch in which Belgium did not attempt one.
Steven Bergwijn netted the opener shortly after that onslaught, before Memphis Depay scored twice either side of a simple Denzel Dumfries finish in the second half.
It was the first time Belgium had conceded four goals at home since October 2010, but Mignolet had no complaints about the scoreline.
“There are no excuses for this defeat,” the goalkeeper said. “You get the chance to play against the Netherlands and you have to grab that opportunity with both hands.
“In the run-up to the World Cup, tonight’s game and the remaining matches in the Nations League were good opportunities to measure ourselves.
“We have to learn from this and take things forward to the preparations for the World Cup in Qatar.”
The mood in the Dutch camp was rather more cheerful, as captain Virgil van Dijk told NOS: “It was a good win with good football. Everyone was good today.
“Steven Bergwijn in particular was excellent – they couldn’t get a grip on him – but also Steven Berghuis and Frenkie de Jong. Actually, I can be positive about everyone. It was a great team performance.
“We did an excellent job, we forced them to make mistakes and we scored good goals.”
Van Dijk came straight from playing against Courtois in the Champions League final and will now bring his long season to an end while the Netherlands turn their focus to further Nations League matches.
“It’s time to recover,” the centre-back added. “I’m going on holiday now and the rest can prepare for Wales [on Wednesday].”
