Belgium's path to the World Cup has become unexpectedly complicated after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan in their European qualification match on Saturday.
Disappointing Performance in Eastern Europe
The Red Devils could have secured their place in next summer's tournament with a victory in Eastern Europe, but now face a must-win situation against Liechtenstein on Tuesday to guarantee automatic qualification. The match began in the worst possible fashion for Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard and their Belgian teammates when the hosts' Dastan Satpaev capitalised on a defensive error to put Kazakhstan ahead in the early stages.
Hans Vanaken later equalised for Belgium, but despite Kazakhstan being reduced to ten men, Rudi Garcia's side couldn't find the winning goal against a team that had nothing to play for in the qualification phase.
Doku's Frank Assessment
Manchester City star Jeremy Doku didn't hold back in his post-match assessment of Belgium's performance, admitting the team must improve significantly, particularly with key players Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois absent.
"We've already dropped too many points because we haven't been good enough in many matches," stated the City winger. "Our campaign hasn't gone well, no. Everybody needs to do better - the coach, me, everyone."
Doku added a particularly stark warning: "If we need Kevin, Romelu and Thibaut to beat Kazakhstan, we won't achieve anything at the World Cup."
The 21-year-old also suggested Belgium may have underestimated their opponents, noting: "We looked at this team and thought they would play long balls, but then they played short and started playing football. It was a completely different match from last time. Perhaps we didn't analyse our opponent enough."
Defensive Frustrations
Defender Arthur Theate echoed Doku's frustrations when questioned about Belgium's defensive vulnerabilities after the match. "I have the impression that the defence is always being questioned," he responded.
"If you concede a goal, that's the problem. If you don't score, it's the attack's fault. Of course we shouldn't have conceded that goal, but we haven't conceded many goals this campaign."
Theate defended the team's overall defensive record, stating: "Apart from that, they didn't create much danger for us. But judge for yourselves. I think we're having a good campaign defensively."
Qualification Scenario
Belgium currently top Group J with a two-point advantage over both North Macedonia and Wales. This means a draw against Liechtenstein on Tuesday would almost certainly secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.
The situation remains tense as North Macedonia and Wales face each other in a decisive match for a potential play-off spot on the same evening. Wales approach their crucial fixture fresh from a 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein on Saturday night, giving them momentum heading into the final group games.
With several key players missing and performance levels below expectations, Belgium's golden generation faces increased pressure to deliver when they host Liechtenstein in what has become a must-not-lose encounter for their World Cup aspirations.
