Belgian Media: What Are We Doing at the World Cup?

Belgian media are losing patience with head coach Rudi Garcia and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne following their goalless draw against Iran (0-0) at the World Cup. The team's latest lackluster performance has ignited fury among local outlets. After drawing with Egypt (1-1) in their opening match, the "Red Devils" were once again held, this time by Iran (0-0) on Sunday, leaving them with just two points from two games. Their tournament future now hinges on their upcoming clash against New Zealand in Vancouver, a situation that has put the press on high alert.

"Red Alert," blares the front-page headline of "La Dernière Heure" on Monday, while "Sudinfo" describes the national team as being "in great danger" at this World Cup. "Unable to beat Iran, the 'Red Devils' have no room for error against New Zealand," the media outlet emphasizes. Several individuals are being singled out for this incredibly sluggish start, with French coach Rudi Garcia at the forefront.

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"Two points from a possible six in the weakest group of this World Cup," laments the football editor of HLN in a scathing editorial. "What are we even doing here?" he asks. "The coach would surely understand: this is shameful," he declares. "Two points from six against Egypt and Iran is as unacceptable as it is painful and scandalous. The 'Red Devils' are losing more and more credibility. The coach is no exception. Panic is a bad advisor, Mr. Garcia. But under pressure, a coach sometimes does strange things. Rudi Garcia is also the type to get completely nervous 48 hours before a match. For a 62-year-old man with solid experience at the highest level in the French and Italian leagues, this remains remarkable." "Shameful," reads the print edition's headline.

The former coach of Lille, Lyon, and Marseille is paying the price for his decision to start Romelu Lukaku in attack, despite his almost non-existent playing time this season with Napoli. Kevin De Bruyne (34) is also facing criticism for his very subdued campaign. The American website "Bleacher Report" depicted him as an old man alongside Romelu Lukaku (33). "KDB wanted to shine one last time at the World Cup, but the sad conclusion is that he wasn't up to par in the first two matches," commented "Sporza" pundit Peter Vandenbempt. "We can't fault his commitment, but his level of play is far from good. As for Lukaku, it's clear he's not ready to score in these types of matches."

"We hoped Kevin De Bruyne would finally stand out. But he simply deserved to be substituted," states "La Libre Belgique." "From a purely sporting logic, Rudi Garcia should have replaced him after the first 45 minutes, which were very disappointing for a player of such caliber. KDB increasingly resembles a fading actor who takes on any role to continue existing in Hollywood." "The Devils are stagnant," adds "Le Soir."

The attack is at the center of criticism for its inefficiency, but other areas are not spared. In midfield, some are pushing for a change, advocating for Hans Vanaken to start in the final match, as well as more playing time for Lille player Matias Fernandez-Pardo. "Four changes, including one surprise. A failed gamble. Changes with no real effect. Especially due to Ngoy's red card," enumerates "Sudinfo" regarding the coach's selections.

Alexis Saelemaekers' departure from the field, head bowed and without a gesture to his teammates, indicates some tension within the squad. "Saelemaekers' reaction to his substitution..." wondered Toby Alderweireld, a former Belgian international, to "DH." "If Lukaku or De Bruyne had done the same, we might understand it. But with Saelemaekers, it's different. He should have been happy to be a starter. It's impossible that Garcia or any teammate would have liked that reaction. The atmosphere was fantastic, they say, unprecedented, but for me, it was still a bad omen."