Belgium, which will begin its World Cup journey next Wednesday against Canada, lost 1-2 (half-time: 0-1) to Egypt in a friendly preparation match for the 2022 World Cup on Friday at Kuwait City.
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Admittedly, Roberto Martinez had to do without a few injured players (especially Romelu Lukaku who remains uncertain for the World Cup), but the performance of captain Eden Hazard, ghostly, and his teammates has cause for concern for the Spanish coach.
Belgians in difficulty
The Red Devils, who should have benefited from a penalty from the 5th minute, started the match well (a strike from Batshuayi hit the Egyptian bar in the 9th minute) before dropping a tone and conceding a first goal to the half hour when Mostafa Mohamed took advantage of a loss of ball from Kevin De Bruyne to deceive Thibaut Courtois.
Roberto Martinez's men conceded a second goal as soon as they returned from the locker room, via Trezeguet brightly put into orbit by Mo Salah (46th, 2-0).
A goal that highlighted the lack of authority of the Belgian central defensive axis, a source of concern a few days before the Qatari deadline.
The Belgians regained hope a quarter of an hour from the end thanks to Lens striker Loïs Openda (1-2, 76th).
However, this awakening was too late and insufficient.
Belgium will therefore start the World Cup with some reason for concern on November 23 against Canada before facing Morocco (November 27) and Croatia (December 1) in Group F.