adminBORDEAUX. — Belgium’s convincing 3-0 win against the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016 on Saturday is unlikely to ease the difficult relationship between coach Marc Wilmots and his critics.
After starting with a 2-0 defeat to Italy, the world number two side bounced back in Bordeaux as a second-half Romelu Lukaku brace, either side of an Axel Witsel goal, gave them their first Group E points. Wilmots was in the firing line after the Italy loss, targeted by some Belgian media who accused him of not getting the best out of arguably the best squad at the tournament.
But he relished getting one over on his critics in Bordeaux, saying that certain people were trying to manipulate Belgian fans with their views on him.
“We have just had four successful years, and then with the first defeat (against Italy) that is all forgotten. It is manipulation,” the 47-year-old told reporters after Saturday’s game. — AFP.
Online Reporter