World Cup
Georges Leekens predicts 4‑0 or 5‑0 win for Belgium over Iran
Belgium’s national side, the Rode Duivels, face Iran in World Cup Group 2, and coach Georges Leekens says a victory is essential and predicts a 4‑0 or 5‑0 triumph despite the absence of forward Jérémy Doku. He believes the Belgian side can dominate the match even without Doku, and he expects Iran to be a level below Egypt.
Jérémy Doku will miss the clash, making his absence the main talking point among analysts. Nevertheless, the Belgian squad still possesses ample attacking options.
Georges Leekens, who previously coached the Iranian top club Tractor, recalled the atmosphere of its stadium. "In the stadium there were always 70,000 supporters; the experience was like Naples, but twice as intense," he told De Zondag this weekend.
Leekens rated the Iranian level as comparable to Belgium’s play‑off 2 or play‑off 3. He noted that many Iranian players have not broken through in Belgium, yet they are physically strong, technically competent, but slower in execution.
He added that Iran will be a notch below Egypt in quality. According to Leekens, the Iranians will commit errors, and Belgium must force them to do so.
Leekens is confident Belgium will respond well after the opening game, predicting a 4‑0 or 5‑0 win. He also mentioned that Vandenbempt and his colleagues are speaking plainly about the need for a decisive victory.
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