Vanaken: 'Bondscoach sees me as key for Belgium at World Cup'

Hans Vanaken believes he is ready to start for Belgium against New Zealand after the midfielder spoke of the coach’s confidence in him. "He said I’m going to be an important player for him at the World Cup," Vanaken told reporters. The Belgian squad faces a must-win scenario after two draws left them needing a positive result to secure progress. Vanaken, who has featured in Belgium’s first two matches, stressed the importance of adapting to the late kick-off time in Vancouver. "I’d rather play in the evening than the afternoon," he said. "We have to adjust to that." Belgium’s final group game kicks off at 05:00 Belgian time on Friday. The midfielder also reflected on his relationship with Kevin De Bruyne, calling their off-field bond strong. "We’re real winners, even at the card table and on the pitch," Vanaken said. "Sometimes it just clicks with certain players." Belgium’s preparations have been overshadowed by tactical questions. Analysts suggest the team must not only win but also score goals to boost their chances of advancing. "Winning isn’t enough anymore," one analyst noted. The pressure is mounting after a disappointing start. The FIFA-appointed referee for Friday’s clash is Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh, who has extensive international experience. Makhadmeh previously officiated Spain vs Cape Verde and showed restraint, issuing only two yellow cards. His team includes compatriots Mohammad Alkalaf and Ahmad Alroalle as assistant referees.

Jeremy Doku's fitness doubts ahead of Belgium vs New Zealand

Vanaken downplayed suggestions of guilt over teammate Axel Ngoy’s red card against Iraq. "I thought my pass was good," he said. "He choked on the control. It was a logical reaction." Belgium’s defense has come under scrutiny following defensive errors. With Thibaut Courtois’ future uncertain for Belgium, personal news emerged as his partner Mishel Gerzig hinted at a possible expansion of their family. The goalkeeper’s availability for future matches remains a topic of discussion within the squad. Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, has signed for Italian third-tier side Ravenna. At 46, he will attempt to score his "final professional goal" with the club, which will debut his personal R10 clothing brand. Meanwhile, Neymar trained with Brazil ahead of their match against Scotland, with coach Tite confirming his fitness and availability.

Vanaken says he and De Bruyne gel on field ahead of NZ clash

France will be without manager Didier Deschamps for their final group game after he returned home following the death of his mother. Colombia leads Group K after beating DR Congo 1-0, with ex-Genk defender Daniel Muñoz scoring the decisive goal. England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in a low-scoring encounter. Belgium’s Arthur Theate insisted the squad is prepared for the high-pressure finale. "Everyone is ready," he said. Croatia secured a narrow win over Panama, while Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to form with two goals against Uzbekistan, becoming his country’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup.