Doku Slams Belgium’s Performance As World Cup Spot Hangs Against Liechtenstein

‎Jeremy Doku expressed disappointment with Belgium, saying they have not performed well in most of their World Cup qualifiers.

‎The team faces the relatively simple task of beating Liechtenstein at home on Tuesday to secure a spot in next year’s finals. Belgium missed an earlier chance to qualify on Saturday, drawing 1-1 in Kazakhstan.

‎Doku, who was one of Belgium’s better players, was particularly critical of his own team’s showing.

‎”It’s a lack of efficiency. We didn’t win against Kazakhstan, so we absolutely can’t be satisfied,” he said.

‎”We’ve already dropped too many points because we weren’t good enough in a large number of matches. Our campaign hasn’t gone well, no. Everyone needs to do better. The coach, me, everyone.”

‎The winger suggested the Belgians had got their approach to the match at the Astana Arena wrong.

‎”We looked at this team and thought they’d play long, but then they played short and started playing football,” the 23-year-old said.

‎”It was a completely different match from when we played them last time. Maybe we didn’t analyse our opponent enough. It doesn’t matter. We just have to finish our chances and then we’ll be done with the permutations.”

‎Doku was also questioned by Belgian VTM television about whether the absence of players such as Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku could be considered a valid excuse.

‎He shook his head and said, “Kevin, Romelu, Thibaut… if we need them to win against Kazakhstan, then we can’t do anything at the World Cup. I think if we want to be significant at the World Cup, we have to be able to win games like this.”

‎Belgium sits two points clear at the top of Group J and should secure a place in the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

‎They host Liege on Tuesday against the tiny principality.