Johan Boskamp: Hans Vanaken should have started for Belgium
Former Belgium coach Johan Boskamp, now a Dutch analyst, criticised the team’s line‑up after the 1‑1 draw with Egypt, insisting that midfielder Hans Vanaken should have started instead of being introduced late. He argued the decision limited Belgium’s attacking options and urged a change before the upcoming matches against Iran and New Zealand.
Boskamp said: "Te laat ingevallen? Hij had zelfs moeten starten! Egypte is zeker geen slechte ploeg, maar met Hansie op het veld heb je gewoon meer voetballend en scorend vermogen in je ploeg." The quote underscores his belief that Vanaken’s presence from the start would have added more scoring potential.
Boskamp also faulted coach Garcia for persisting with a system that relies on two controlling midfielders, naming Tielemans and Raskin or Onana as the pair. He suggested that this tactical rigidity reduced the team’s flexibility against varied opponents.
He added that while stronger opponents might justify a cautious approach, “tegen defensief ingestelde ploegen heb je toch altijd meer aan de creativiteit van Hansie.” Boskamp expects Vanaken’s creativity to be decisive against defensive sides.
Charles De Ketelaere’s impact against Egypt, Boskamp noted, was limited; “De Ketelaere speelde tegen Egypte niet al te best, maar hij kreeg ook amper een fatsoenlijke bal.” The midfielder struggled to receive quality service.
Romelu Lukaku, provided a vital spark, scoring “zelfs zonder de bal te raken” and his presence “zorgde ervoor dat België plots beter begon te voetballen.” Lukaku’s influence, Boskamp said, lifted the team’s performance.
Both Jérémy Doku and Trossard performed below their usual standards, Boskamp observed, and he hinted that “Zou kunnen” see Fernandez‑Pardo added to the squad. He stressed that Belgium must secure six points against Iran and New Zealand to chase the group win.