Degryse and Alderweireld demand Rudi Garcia start Hans Vanaken against Iran fallout

Belgium’s 0-0 draw with Iran on Sunday evening left Rudi Garcia’s side under intense scrutiny. Former internationals Toby Alderweireld and Marc Degryse delivered sharp criticism of the team’s performance in a new Voetbalpodcast. “Saelemaekers’ reaction to being substituted… you should be glad you even started the match,” Alderweireld said. Degryse opened by rejecting a single explanation for the point loss. “It’s not one thing—it’s a combination of many issues. Everyone can improve, except Courtois. We’ve said it countless times: a Euros or World Cup is entirely different from those unimportant qualifiers where you score at will.” Alderweireld highlighted a lack of quality, particularly in possession. “The big players didn’t deliver what they should have. When Garcia made good substitutions and we looked set to convert possession into more threat, we got that unfortunate red card. Then it became impossible.” Degryse emphasized the motivation and organization of teams like Iran and Egypt. “You simply have to raise your offensive level to create chances. Name them all—none of our forwards stood out. Lukaku: okay, but not good. De Bruyne: not at his best. Doku: poor in the first game. Trossard, an Arsenal player, wasn’t visible against Iran. Saelemaekers… it all needs to improve.” Alderweireld shifted focus to defensive struggles. “Every tournament we say we have quality up front but the issue is at the back. Over the last three or four tournaments, we’re failing up front. Someone has to look at who’s playing there and take responsibility.”

Belgium coach Crasson slams poor World Cup 2026 display against Iran

Degryse urged Garcia to field Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Hans Vanaken together. “There’s no turning back now. Against, with respect, the weakest team in the tournament, you have to score goals. Vanaken belongs in this team—even against stronger sides.” Alderweireld noted improved movement after Vanaken’s introduction. “You saw De Bruyne play more freely after Vanaken came on. De Cuyper had a great chance where De Bruyne plucked the ball from the air. Vanaken’s impact brought more dynamism.” Degryse challenged perceptions of Vanaken’s role. “Everyone sees Hans as static, but he moves brilliantly and finds space so well. Yet he only gets 30 minutes again. Let him start, let him grow into a game—nothing’s harder than coming on and making an impact.” Alderweireld criticized Saelemaers’ reaction to substitution. “If Lukaku or De Bruyne did that, you could understand it. But Saelemaekers? You should be grateful just to be on the pitch. Garcia or a teammate couldn’t have been pleased with that reaction. The atmosphere was supposedly the best ever, but for me it was a warning sign.”

Belgium face must-win against New Zealand to secure World Cup last-16 spot

Degryse called for open dialogue within the squad. “Tension is inevitable now—external criticism and internal honesty are needed. It’s better to clash now than have a few walking around with long faces. Garcia must make tough decisions.” Alderweireld proposed a group meeting. “A full team talk is needed, or at least one with the captains. We must realign everyone—if players start pointing fingers, we’re finished. I understand a family day the day after a match seems odd, but maybe it’s even necessary to relieve pressure.” He concluded with a comparison to the Netherlands. “Look at the Netherlands: Koeman was under fire days ago, now they’re world champions-elect. One good result against New Zealand and we might turn things around. But first, we have to flip the script. Every strong nation shows its quality in one of the first two games—we haven’t yet. Let’s hope we change that against New Zealand.”