Leuven, Belgium – A late goal from Arthur Theate salvaged a 1-1 draw for Belgium’s Red Devils against Mexico in a friendly match on Wednesday evening, but the performance laid bare several areas of concern for head coach Domenico Tedesco ahead of the upcoming World Cup. While the result avoided a damaging defeat, the match exposed vulnerabilities in Belgium’s midfield and attack, prompting questions about team cohesion and individual form. The draw, played at the King Power at Den Dreef stadium, offered a stark contrast to the optimism surrounding the team just months ago.
The match wasn’t solely about the scoreline. It was a tactical examination for Tedesco, a chance to assess players in real-game conditions before finalizing his squad for Qatar. The performance, however, highlighted a lack of fluidity and creativity, particularly in the first half. Mexico, under the guidance of manager Gerardo Martino, appeared more organized and purposeful in their build-up play, consistently troubling Belgium’s defense. The Red Devils, currently ranked second in the FIFA world rankings, struggled to impose their usual dominance, a worrying sign with the World Cup looming.
Lukebakio’s Late Intervention and De Bruyne’s Frustration
Belgium’s equalizer came in the 86th minute courtesy of Dodi Lukebakio, a substitute who injected much-needed energy and directness into the attack. Lukebakio’s goal, a powerful strike from outside the box, prevented a first defeat for Belgium since their elimination from the 2022 World Cup qualifying stage. However, the late goal couldn’t entirely mask the team’s overall struggles. The performance was a stark reminder that individual brilliance, while valuable, isn’t enough to consistently overcome systemic issues.
Adding to the tension surrounding the national team, Kevin De Bruyne publicly aired his frustrations regarding the ongoing situation with Romelu Lukaku. According to HLN, De Bruyne expressed his desire to help resolve the issues surrounding Lukaku’s current situation, but stopped short of detailing the specifics. Lukaku has been dealing with a muscle injury that has limited his playing time for Inter Milan, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup. The situation underscores the delicate balance Tedesco must maintain – managing player form and morale while navigating the pressures of international competition.
Midfield Concerns and Defensive Vulnerabilities
The midfield, traditionally a strength for Belgium, appeared disjointed and lacked its usual control. The absence of a consistent passing rhythm allowed Mexico to dictate the tempo for large portions of the game. According to analysis from sporza.be, the midfield lacked the necessary bite and creativity to break down a well-organized Mexican defense. Defensively, Belgium as well showed signs of vulnerability, particularly in dealing with Mexico’s quick transitions. The Mexican goal, scored by Hirving Lozano, exposed a gap in the Belgian backline, highlighting the demand for improved communication and positioning.
Openda’s Performance Under Scrutiny
The performance of Lois Openda, the young forward, also came under scrutiny. HBVL reports that Justien Odeurs noted Openda “toont niets” (shows nothing), despite suggesting he should still be included in the World Cup squad. While acknowledging his potential, Odeurs’ assessment reflects a broader concern about Openda’s current impact on the team. The need for consistent goal-scoring threat remains a key priority for Tedesco.
What’s Next for the Red Devils?
The friendly against Mexico serves as a crucial learning experience for Tedesco and his team. The issues exposed – midfield control, defensive solidity, and consistent attacking threat – must be addressed in the coming weeks. Belgium’s next scheduled match is a friendly against Egypt on November 18th, providing another opportunity to fine-tune the team’s preparations before the World Cup begins on November 20th. The squad selection for Qatar will be closely watched, with Tedesco facing difficult decisions regarding player form and tactical balance.
The Red Devils’ World Cup campaign begins on November 23rd against Canada. The performance against Mexico serves as a wake-up call, reminding the team and its supporters that success in Qatar will require more than just individual talent. It will demand a cohesive, disciplined, and determined performance from every member of the squad. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Belgium can overcome these challenges and fulfill their potential on the world stage.
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