Belgium is going through turbulent times. Its stars give their last blows with little impact while the new generation does not make its way in a World Cup that could end in drama for the Red Devils.
The draw against Egypt in the opening match is now added the one harvested against Iran, much more damaging for obvious reasons for the Belgians. A distribution of points that could have even come to nothing. More than twenty minutes with one man less and with Courtois as the most outstanding player turn a theoretically terrible result into a lesser evil. Because if they beat New Zealand on the last day they will be in the round of 32, but with more fear than shame. With the feeling almost of being on loan in that round.
Rudi García’s men are not living their best time. The loss of speed Kevin de Bruyne and Lukaku It is the unequivocal sign that that golden generation is now more of a past memory than a current bet. And, despite this, they continue to be the most dangerous of a team that misses a step forward in the second unit.
One of Courtois’ three saves
Only Courtois keeps those qualities intact that allow him to be decisive in each match. And his inspiration was one of the great reasons that prevented a major disaster. Its two stops Taremi and Kanaani They are already part of the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s extensive repertoire of saves. There’s a reason it’s still number one.
Those two scares, united with the goal disallowed due to a millimeter offside by Taremi After a masterful strategic action by Iran, it foreshadowed an anguishing afternoon for Rudi García’s team.
The red one to Ngoy
Despite all those shadows, Belgium dominated until it was inferior. And he deserved more. He also suffered what is so far the best stop of the entire World Cup. In Kevin de Bruyne’s most brilliant action, De Cuyper found himself with a free ball in the small area, with the Iranian goalkeeper on the ground. His shot met the miraculous reaction of Beiranvand, who supported his people in the most delicate moment. In the siege the first Belgian goal was sensedBut everything changed with Ngoy’s blunder. The central defender made a mistake on a loan and had to grab Taremi so that he did not face Courtois. Belgium was left with one less and drama took over the clash in Los Angeles.
It was with one less when Belgium found its best version. The little danger it generated almost always came from Lukebakio’s boots. It is difficult to understand that the Benfica winger is not a starter in a team that does not exactly have plenty of overflow or finishing. And the former Sevilla player has both. Theirs was the last great opportunity to avoid a draw that, although it does not leave Belgium on the brink of the abyss, does turn their match against New Zealand into a final that, even winning, could condemn Rudi García’s men to a poisoned crossroads. That, anyway, is the least of his problems. Belgium is experiencing a change of cycle
