FIFA World Cup: Kevin De Bruyne fails to inspire Belgium in 2-0 defeat to Morocco

Kevin de Bruyne had remarked that the second-ranked team in the world had zero chances of winning, hoping to lift the pressure, but his method backfired.

Roberto Martinez's boys weren't enough against a psyched-up Moroccan side. After a scrappy win against Canada, Belgium was expected to improve its performance. 

Morocco created multiple chances in the opening 45 minutes, and Hakim Ziyech's free-kick attempt in the last few minutes went past Thibaut Courtois and landed in the net.

However, the VAR ruled out the goal because an attacking player was offside during the kick. The Red Devils were looking at a bleak outcome without Romelu Lukaku. 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kevin De Bruyne said Belgium have &#39;no chance&#39; to win the World Cup 😳 <a href="https://t.co/CAmQQHALum">pic.twitter.com/CAmQQHALum</a></p>&mdash; ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1596504572767666176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Seventy-three minutes in, the African side netted the first goal. Abdelhamid Sabiri sent in a similar free kick that comfortably went past Courtois. Surprisingly, Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard failed to make any difference in the remaining minutes of the match. 

Morocco doubled their lead during the last five minutes of stoppage time. Ziyech threw a brilliant assist to Zakaria Aboukhlal, who aimed the ball into the roof of the net.

It was Morocco's third win at the World Cup, and they can progress to the round of 16 if they beat Canada in their last group stage match. 

Manager Robert Martinez admits the heavy truth about his team

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez mentioned that his boys were burdened by a "fear of losing" in their shock defeat by Morocco. Belgium must beat 2018 runners-up Croatia on Thursday to advance to the last 16. 

"I do think it's because we played with a fear of losing," admitted Martinez. "They work so hard for each other off the ball but then on the ball, I don't see that enjoyment."

"We are a team that is usually playing on the attack. We're not playing with joy. It's maybe the weight on our shoulders," he continued. 

Belgium has at least been quarter-finalists in the past four big-ticket tournaments and finished third in the 2018 edition. They are second-ranked in Group F before Sunday's match between the North Americans and Croatia.

Dries Mertens replaced captain Eden Hazard in the 60th minute, and the coach spoke in favour of his performance, especially in Euro 2020. Hazard, afflicted by injuries, netted the winner against Portugal but was sidelined due to a hamstring ailment in Belgium's subsequent quarter-final loss to Italy.

Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen pointed out their lack of creativity in an attack that caused their latest defeat against Morocco. Despite striker Romelu Lukaku's return, they could have created more chances. 

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku's return 

Inter striker Romelu Lukaku returned from his injury break during Belgium's 2-0 defeat to Morocco. The coach deployed the former Manchester United striker when they were 1-0 down in the second half, but it didn't make any difference. 

Lukaku has suffered injuries after returning to Inter on loan from Chelsea in the summer. He endured a muscular strain that kept him out until late October, and his World Cup participation was also doubtful. 

Although he made an early comeback, it remains to be seen if his presence will give his side a much-needed boost ahead of their match against Croatia.