Analysts demand overhaul as Belgium’s World Cup hopes wobble

Belgium’s Red Devils have secured a place in the World Cup round of 16, yet analysts warn that the performance against Senegal and the United States exposes serious tactical flaws that must be addressed.

The team’s progression to the next round surprised many, as the margin of victory was narrow and left doubts about the quality of the display.

Marc Degryse wrote in that the win does not instantly turn coach Rudi Garcia into a hero, adding that for the same effort the side could have been eliminated outright.

He also complained that the side could not rely on sudden tactical changes, noting that “you do not suddenly go from odd substitutions to spectacularly good replacements.”

Degryse singled out Kevin De Bruyne and Charles Doku, saying neither was at his best and they were unable to steer the squad forward, although he recognised they remain two of Belgium’s star players.

Peter Vandenbempt of echoed the disappointment, recalling that “who still believed five minutes from the end may now raise their hand,” and he compared the scene to the earlier match against Japan, stressing the two fixtures differ in intensity.

Vandenbempt warned that Doku and Vanaken could face repercussions after the performance, and suggested even Kevin De Bruyne might be dropped, noting that “he is the best midfielder Belgium ever had, but at the moment he is not at his level.”

He concluded that while celebration is permissible, the coach must return to the drawing board because the current plan has clearly failed, and the federation is expected to press for tactical revisions before the next knockout match.