Belgium Secure World Cup Berth wiht Dominant 7-0 Win Over Liechtenstein
Liège, Belgium – Belgium emphatically booked their place at the World Cup on Tuesday with a commanding 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein at Sclessin Stadium. Goals from Hans Vanaken, a brace from Jérémy Doku, Brandon Mechele, Alexis Saelemaekers, and a double from Charles De Ketelaere sealed a pleasant win for The Red Devils, ensuring they can now fully focus on preparations for the tournament.
Belgium started brightly, taking the lead in the 3rd minute. A cross from Youri Tielemans was inadvertently directed towards the far post by a Liechtenstein defender, where Vanaken headed home to make it 1-0.
Vanaken nearly doubled the advantage shortly after, but his close-range effort was blocked by a defender after a cross from Thomas Meunier was missed by Charles De Ketelaere.
The second goal arrived in the 34th minute. Meunier’s well-timed pass found Saelemaekers, whose cross was expertly turned into the far corner by Doku without needing to control the ball – 2-0. Doku then added his second and Belgium’s third just before halftime, skillfully beating two defenders before firing a low shot with his left foot.
After the break, Mechele was unlucky to see his header hit the post, but quickly made amends, tapping in a simple finish from a Tielemans pass to extend the lead to 4-0.
Tielemans then forced liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel into a save, with Saelemaekers on hand to convert the rebound. De Ketelaere then added his first of the night in the 57th minute, powerfully finishing off another triumphant Belgian attack to make it 6-0.
before the hour mark, Belgium completed the rout with a seventh goal. A cross from the left found Meunier on the opposite flank, whose tight pass deflected off De Ketelaere and into the net.
With a comfortable lead secured, Belgium showed mercy to Liechtenstein, allowing them to finish the match without further concession. The Red Devils can now turn their full attention to preparing for the World Cup.
