Belgium missed the chance to secure World Cup qualification after a 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan in Astana, thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov. The result leaves Belgium two points clear of North Macedonia in Group J, with a final match against Liechtenstein at home on Tuesday.
Kazakhstan, reduced to 10 men for the final 11 minutes, took an early lead through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev, who capitalised on a sloppy pass from Arthur Theate. Hans Vanaken equalised early in the second half, heading in from Timothy Castagne's cross. Despite sustained pressure, Belgium could not find a winner, with Anarbekov making a string of fine saves, including a point-blank stop from Nicolas Raskin in the last minute.
Elsewhere, Spain thrashed Georgia 4-0 in Tbilisi, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice, to set a national record of 30 games unbeaten. Spain lead Group E with a maximum 15 points, all but guaranteeing their place in the World Cup. Turkey, who beat Bulgaria 2-0, would need to beat Spain by seven goals on Tuesday to top the group.
Denmark drew 2-2 with Belarus after coming from behind, missing a chance to take control of Group C. They must now get at least a point in Scotland on Tuesday to ensure automatic qualification. Austria beat Cyprus 2-0 to go two points clear in Group H, while Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated 10-man Romania 3-1 to secure at least a playoff place.
