Belgium’s Jeremy Doku during a training session at the Fifa World Cup. Photo \/ AFP<\/p>\n
\u2018Lacks penetration\u2019<\/p>\n
What has been going wrong for Belgium so far?<\/p>\n
The main problems have come in attack. Belgium\u2019s 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\u2019s attacking play has been far too slow during their tournament and . \u2013 Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad<\/p>\n
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. \u2013 Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws<\/p>\n
\u2018Too many opportunities\u2019<\/p>\n
What is the key for this Belgium team against New Zealand?<\/p>\n
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<\/a> 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. \u2013 Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad<\/p>\n 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\u2019t take it. We should play at a higher intensity as well. \u2013 Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws<\/p>\n \u2018Towering aerial threats\u2019<\/p>\n What is the feeling about facing New Zealand?<\/p>\n 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\u2019s individual quality should make the difference. <\/p>\n However, there is concern about New Zealand\u2019s set pieces. With Chris Wood and Finn Surman, they possess two towering aerial threats<\/a>, 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. \u2013 Jorunn Vannoorden, Het Nieuwsblad<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. 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. \u2013 Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws<\/p>\n History lessons<\/p>\n 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?<\/p>\n 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. \u2013 Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws<\/p>\n \u2018Chris Wood!\u2019<\/p>\n What is New Zealand\u2019s main threat?<\/p>\n Het Laatste Nieuws<\/p>\n Chris Wood!<\/a> And we don\u2019t want New Zealand to score first. If that happens nerves will creep in. \u2013 Frank Dekeyser, Het Laatste Nieuws<\/p>\n Michael Burgess<\/a> has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America\u2019s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\nFinn Surman celebrates his goal with All Whites captain Chris Wood in the Fifa World Cup clash against Egypt in Vancouver. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n