World Cup
Deviltime analysts warn Belgium must win group to survive
Deviltime analysts have warned that Belgium's chances of topping their World Cup group are now a 'five to twelve' proposition, urging the Rode Duivels to secure a win after a mixed pre‑tournament showing against Croatia and Tunisia, and the absence of key players besides Thibaut Courtois.
Toby Alderweireld said the group is the weakest at the World Cup and that Belgium must finish first. He added that the situation is now "five to twelve".
Marc Degryse argued that expectations are not too high and that Belgium should have won the group. He noted that Belgium have better players than Iran and Egypt and that the team lacks automatic understanding.
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The analysts pointed to the two warm‑up matches against Croatia and Tunisia as positive signs. However, they highlighted that, apart from Thibaut Courtois, the decisive players were absent from the squad. Degryse compared Belgium’s style with that of Spain and the Netherlands, saying those teams play with about 75 % possession and exhibit finer, more technical ball circulation. He suggested Belgium’s play needs to become more refined. The criticism extended to four Belgian players who underperformed, with one forced to line up in a three‑man defence. Analysts also singled out Nathan Ngoy for receiving a red card, calling it a "stupid" decision. Outside the tactical debate, writer Barbara De Smedt announced the release of her fifth thriller and signalled a new chapter in her career. The comment rounds off a day of sharp analysis for the Rode Duivels.