Vandenbempt: Vanaken must always start for Belgium

Belgium secured their first World Cup victory with a 5-1 win over New Zealand, lifting pressure on coach Rudi Garcia. The result leaves the Red Devils on the brink of topping their group after two disappointing draws. Analyst Peter Vandenbempt praised midfielder Hans Vanaken for his decisive display, calling it a "clear winner" among Belgium’s squad. "It’s undeniable that the man we’ve all been calling for showed why we did so," Vandenbempt told . "His movement, positioning, and passing were sharp—clichés, yes, but Kevin De Bruyne seemed to revive alongside him." Vandenbempt argued Garcia must reward Vanaken with a starting berth in the knockout stages. "I’m not saying he was the best player on the pitch, but he proved why he belongs in the team—not just against weak opposition like New Zealand, but against whoever awaits next," he said.

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Romelu Lukaku also impressed, scoring within seconds of his introduction to seal Belgium’s group lead. "It’s not normal for a striker to head in his first touch like that," Vandenbempt remarked. "That’s abnormal." Belgium’s next opponent remains uncertain, but the 5-1 scoreline suggests a shift in momentum after early tournament struggles. Garcia’s tactical changes, including Vanaken’s long-awaited starting role, appear to have paid dividends.

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The Red Devils now eye a potential group-topping finish, with only one matchday remaining in the group stage.