As a result, head coach Rudi Garcia is coming under increasing pressure. Many fans believe he has been too cautious. They are calling for a more attacking midfield featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken in the starting lineup. – Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad
Not great. The expectations were high at the beginning of the World Cup. The ambition was to be top of the group – without underestimating anyone. But given the quality we (still) have there is disappointment in how we played and the approach taken against Egypt and Iran. We still haven’t scored a goal – we don’t count the own goal of Egypt. That’s a worry for most pundits. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
‘A more attacking approach’
What do you think Belgium’s approach will be to this match?
There is a strong chance that Garcia will finally heed those calls for Hans Vanaken. Everyone knows Belgium simply has to beat New Zealand, preferably by a big margin. That is why Vanaken is likely to be introduced. The Club Brugge midfielder is one of the best players in the Belgian league. With his late runs into the box, physical presence and creativity, he should help Belgium find the back of the net. – Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad
We assume coach Rudi Garcia will take a more attacking approach. We expect Hans Vanaken, a more attacking option, to play in midfield. He stays calm, is strong technically and his link up with De Bruyne is great. Maybe Jeremy Doku comes back too, he can make a difference. They will go all out from the first minute. As we’ve seen against Iran: the longer it takes to score, the more nervous a team gets. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
Belgium’s Jeremy Doku during a training session at the Fifa World Cup. Photo / AFP
‘Lacks penetration’
What has been going wrong for Belgium so far?
The main problems have come in attack. Belgium’s only goal so far was … an own goal by Egypt. It has now been 406 minutes and 69 shots since Belgium last scored a World Cup goal themselves, when Michy Batshuayi found the net against Canada on November 23, 2022. Belgium’s attacking play has been far too slow during their tournament and . – Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad
The injury suffered by striker Romelu Lukaku at Napoli. He only played 64 minutes in the Serie A across the recently completed season. So he lacks competition rhythm. Furthermore, we did not create many clear chances against Egypt or Iran. However, the atmosphere in the team is still good. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
‘Too many opportunities’
What is the key for this Belgium team against New Zealand?
They need to avoid falling behind and score early themselves. If Belgium gets that first goal, the floodgates could open. It will also be crucial to see whether Jeremy Doku is fit enough to play and how sharp he is. He has been one of the main talking points in Belgium for more than a week now. If he has fully recovered from his illness and can draw extra energy from the joy of becoming a father, he may finally hit top form. And when that happens, few players can stop him. – Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad
To be effective in both penalty areas. We gave away too many opportunities against Egypt and Iran. And if/when we had a big chance to score, we didn’t take it. We should play at a higher intensity as well. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
‘Towering aerial threats’
What is the feeling about facing New Zealand?
Even though victory is absolutely essential and a defeat against New Zealand would go down as the darkest chapter in the history of the Red Devils, Belgians are not overly worried about their opponents. There is a widespread belief that Belgium’s individual quality should make the difference.
However, there is concern about New Zealand’s set pieces. With Chris Wood and Finn Surman, they possess two towering aerial threats, while Belgium have looked vulnerable from dead-ball situations. Against Iran, the Red Devils were caught out by a rehearsed free-kick routine, although the goal was fortunately ruled out for offside. During their training camp in March, Belgium also conceded goals from set pieces. – Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad
Finn Surman celebrates his goal with All Whites captain Chris Wood in the Fifa World Cup clash against Egypt in Vancouver. Photo / Photosport
We know Chris Wood is a threat – in the air and in the penalty area – and we know Liberato Cacace from his time at Sint-Truiden. We enjoyed the New Zealand games against Iran and Egypt. They made a good impression with their enthusiastic approach. However, without under-estimating New Zealand, we feel we have more quality in our squad and we should be able to beat them. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
History lessons
When was the last time Belgium has faced a scenario like this, having to beat a lesser nation in the final group match to progress?
It was a while ago. In 1998, we had two points after two games and drew against South Korea, who were not the best team at that moment. So we got eliminated. In 2014 and 2018, we cruised through the group stage. In 2022, we had to beat Croatia but we drew and had to go home as well. But Croatia reached the semis, so they are not exactly a minnow. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
‘Chris Wood!’
What is New Zealand’s main threat?
Het Laatste Nieuws
Chris Wood! And we don’t want New Zealand to score first. If that happens nerves will creep in. – Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
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