BRUSSELS, September 7 – Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his crucial role for Belgium by scoring a magnificent goal that broke the deadlock, setting the stage for a commanding 6-0 triumph over Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
It seemed like it might be a frustrating evening at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium until De Bruyne’s 42nd-minute strike. Following this, both De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku netted twice each, securing Belgium’s victory.
Belgium now leads Group J with 10 points from four games, edging out Wales on goal difference but trailing North Macedonia by one point. Notably, North Macedonia and Wales have each completed five matches.
In this qualifying round, group winners automatically advance to the World Cup, while runners-up must enter a playoff. Having lost four of their five group matches, Kazakhstan initially defended well but couldn’t withstand Belgium’s attacking prowess. A series of skillful moves concluded with De Bruyne’s powerful shot into the top corner.
Leandro Trossard’s overhead flick maintained possession for Belgium, followed by Charles De Ketelaere’s backheel pass to De Bruyne, resulting in a typically powerful and precise shot, marking his 33rd international goal.
Soon after, Belgium expanded their lead to 2-0 heading into halftime, with Doku hammering in a shot from the left. The team extended their advantage in the 51st minute when captain Youri Tielemans crossed to the back post, allowing Nicolas Raskin to score his first international goal.
Doku secured his second goal at the hour mark with a burst of speed, bypassing the defense to score with a left-footed effort from a tight angle. De Bruyne netted Belgium’s fifth goal in the 84th minute, assisted by Alexis Saelemaekers.
Finally, Thomas Meunier capped off the team’s success with a strike three minutes later, marking Belgium’s second consecutive 6-0 victory after a similar result against Liechtenstein on Thursday.
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