Rudi Garcia seeks plan B after Doku reliance falters versus Egypt

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia entered Sunday’s World Cup group match against Egypt with a clear plan to feed the ball to winger Jeremy Doku. Doku struggled to impose his dribble while Egypt’s Mohamed Hany produced what the article describes as the match of his life.

Garcia later admitted he wished he had taken another breakthrough winger to relieve Doku’s burden, naming Mika Godts as a dribbler left out after a strong season. He also cited Malick Fofana, who had just returned from injury, as another option that was unavailable.

The Belgian game plan centred on passing to Doku and hoping his trademark dribble would decide the encounter. Egypt’s Mohamed Hany, however, delivered a career‑defining display, underscoring how lesser‑known players can outshine Belgium more frequently than in the Premier League, qualifiers, or against nations such as Iran or New Zealand.

Critics once mocked Marc Wilmots for a simple ‘pass to Eden’ directive, a philosophy Roberto Martinez continued with bench options. Garcia had expected Dodi Lukebakio of Benfica to become his ‘Dries Mertens’, but the winger’s defensive shortcomings raised doubts.

Observers compared Doku to Eden Hazard, yet the article stresses their profiles differ and Doku will never become Hazard. Additional pressure stems from his wife’s imminent childbirth and reported respiratory problems.

Facing Iran in the next group fixture, Garcia’s plan A will likely still rely on Doku to spark a breakthrough. The coach acknowledges that a contingency plan B will be essential if the winger cannot deliver.

The analysis appears on Walfoot, accompanied by an AI‑generated photo. A related note mentions Manchester City preparing a major announcement concerning Jeremy Doku.