Roy Keane rips into Belgium after 'rubbish' Iran draw - while former stars call out Kevin De Bruyne and co. as they risk early World Cup exit

Amidst the scintillating backdrop of the 2023 FIFA World Cup, a frustrated Roy Keane did not hold back in his assessment of Belgium's recent performance against Iran, calling the 1-1 draw 'rubbish.' The match, held at Al Bayt Stadium, was a critical fixture for Belgium, who are teetering on the edge of an early exit from the tournament.

Keane's Blunt Analysis

Known for his no-nonsense approach both on and off the pitch, Keane expressed his disappointment in Belgium's lack of urgency and creativity. He specifically criticized the team's inability to capitalize on their superior talent, suggesting that they were playing without conviction.

"Belgium looked uninspired out there," Keane remarked during a post-match analysis. "For a team with players like Kevin De Bruyne, they should be running the show. Instead, they let Iran dictate the pace and struggled to create clear-cut chances."

Concerns from Former Stars

Keane is not alone in his critique. Several former international stars have also voiced concerns over Belgium's current form. The consensus is that this Golden Generation, featuring the likes of De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard, could see their World Cup campaign end prematurely if improvements are not made swiftly.

• Kevin De Bruyne: The Manchester City midfielder has been singled out for failing to provide the creative spark expected of him, with questions raised about his ability to lead the team in high-pressure situations.
• Romelu Lukaku: Despite his prowess in front of goal, Lukaku's impact has been limited, with service to the striker being a significant issue.
• Eden Hazard: Once a talismanic figure, Hazard has struggled with form and fitness, casting doubt on his ability to influence games as he once did.

The Road Ahead for Belgium

Belgium's draw with Iran leaves them in a precarious position in Group G. To advance, they must secure a win in their upcoming match against a resurgent South Korea, who recently stunned Spain with a 2-1 victory. The pressure is mounting on manager Roberto Martinez to find a winning formula and harness the full potential of his star-studded squad.

With the world watching, Belgium's next performance will be crucial. Failure to progress past the group stage would not only be a significant blow to their World Cup aspirations but also to the legacy of their current crop of players.

The stakes are high, and as Keane aptly put it, "It's now or never for Belgium."