After a disappointing Euro 2016, Marc Wilmots was today sacked by the Belgian FA. Belgium had gone into the competition as the number two ranked team on the FIFA list only to be humiliated by Wales in the Quarter Finals.
Wilmots tactics and team selection had come under intense scrutiny in recent times. Belgium are considered one of the most talented overall squads in the world. They had also performed poorly in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil losing in the quarter finals. The recent Euro 2016 exit, also at the quarter final stage, appears to have been the last straw.
Marc Wilmots Sacked by Belgian FA
A statement on the Belgian FA website thanked Wilmots for his service and for raising the national team from 54th in the world to 2nd. However, the FA clearly feel that the team needs new impetus as they appear to have regressed or stagnated recently. Something that the next round of FIFA rankings will no doubt reflect.
Belgian FA president Francois de Keersmaecker said: “The objectives set for the Euros were not achieved. We need a new momentum.”
Belgium have a friendly scheduled with Spain on September 1st prior to commencing their qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a game against Cyprus on September 6th. It is clear that the Belgian FA will be looking for a new man to take charge before then.
51 year old Wilmots won 34 out of his 51 games in charge and drew eight which is no mean feat. As a player he scored 28 goals in 70 appearances for the national team.
Main Photo
LILLE, FRANCE – JULY 01: Marc Wilmots manager of Belgium shows his dejection after his team’s 1-3 defeat in the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between Wales and Belgium at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on July 1, 2016 in Lille, France. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
