Belgium lost 2-0 to Morocco on Sunday, in a result which brings more doubt towards Roberto Martinez’s side.
The country are currently ranked second in the world, but they’re not playing like a side with such status. There’s been disagreements within the camp, with Kevin De Bruyne showing his frustration more than once since arriving in Qatar.
Manchester City’s star midfielder suggested Belgium’s ageing defence is to blame, with Toby Alderweireld, clearly annoyed, later asking if the attack is therefore also ageing because they’re not performing either.
One of the hopes for the future is Everton’s Amadou Onana.
Since moving to Goodison Park in the summer, the midfielder has been winning fans and he started the match for Belgium against Morocco. He received a yellow cared and was then substituted for Youri Tielemans, with both goals coming after the Everton player had left the pitch.
Martinez took Onana off because of the booking, and that’s not a decision the Toffees man necessarily agrees with.
Voetbal Primeur quote him as saying: “I still wanted to play because I felt good. I have played with a yellow card many times in my career. These are the choices of the coach and I don’t blame him.”
Martinez is receiving widespread criticism in Belgium for being too loyal to multiple players in the squad.