Belgium is set to face France in the round of 16, and the two teams have a history of animosity, which Vertonghen clearly still holds a grudge over.
When asked by reporters at the press conference if he was afraid of Mbappe’s speed, he sarcastically replied, “Fearful? Yes, terrified. Unbelievably scared!”
This isn’t the first time Vertonghen has shown his displeasure with Mbappe. In the 2021 Nations League, he criticized Mbappe’s goal against Spain on social media, calling it “the worst refereeing decision in football.”
Even earlier, in the 2018 World Cup, Vertonghen, part of Belgium’s golden generation, reached the semifinals only to lose 1-0 to France. Mbappe’s time-wasting near the touchline in the final moments sparked anger among the Belgian players, making the two players “old enemies.”
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