Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed the details of his spat with Kevin De Bruyne in Belgium’s 1-0 win against Canada, as per Belgian outlet Hat Laatste Nieuws (HLN).
Despite the Red Devils kicking off their World Cup campaign with a victory, they underperformed massively on the day.
And one of the side’s most underwhelming performers was Kevin De Bruyne, who was far from his devastating best.
Failing to find the right pass time and again, the 30-year-old looked visibly frustrated against the Canadians.
So much so that after Michy Batshuayi gave Belgium the lead, the Man City vice-captain chose not to celebrate.
Instead, he approached Roberto Martinez, whilst arguing with him.
As Alderweireld entered the discussion by angrily waving a finger at De Bruyne, the latter’s heated gesture in response was a sign of how vexed the Belgians were.
Alderweireld clears the air on his argument with De Bruyne
Speaking to HLN after the contest, the ex-Spurs colossus gave a candid insight into his disagreement with the Sky Blues talisman.
“It was emotion. We’re men, not choirboys. It was about details. Everything’s been talked about”, he said.
De Bruyne concurred with his fellow countryman, saying, “It was about football matters. That was our discussion, that we were looking for the long ball too much while there was room.”
While such heat-of-the-moment arguments create tons of headlines, this is part and parcel of professional football.
Both Toby Alderweireld and Kevin De Bruyne realise that the Qatar World Cup may be the last chance for Belgium’s “Golden Generation” to win a major tournament.
Keeping that in mind, it is only natural that emotions can spill over from time to time.
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