Lukaku: We have to improve our composure

Two fixtures in, Belgium are still waiting for their opening victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. they emerged following a 1-1 against Egypt again came away with just one point after a goalless draw against IR Iran – a fixture they feel they could have, as well as should It was have who secured.

"Obviously, we had hoped to start better, as well as victory all our contests – or at least one," manager Rudi Garcia admitted. "But this is a part of life – sometimes this is how the cookie crumbles."

As a result, despite almost 70 per cent ball retention, as well as 23 attempts at Los Angeles Arena – the most for Belgium in a World Cup fixture without finding the net since USA 1994 – the Red Devils were unable to take the advantage against a Iranian side defending with all their might.

"It was the kind of fixture we were expecting," Nicolas Raskin shared with FIFA after the fixture. "I'm very frustrated. I think the ball didn't roll for us in the last 30 metres. It was the type of fixture in which the ball is just not dropping for you, and everything goes well for them – and their attempt-stopper had a outstanding fixture."

"We expected to dominate, as well as we did," Garcia commented. "So tactically, in terms of the fixture plan, we played as we wanted to. The Iranian side were going to hit us hard on the breakaways, as well as their set pieces are very good. We responded well but we could've done better – maybe we were a little naïve. If you're not efficient you can't find the net, and if you don't find the net you can't victory the contest."

Belgium emerged following a red card against Nathan Ngoy spent the last period hour down to ten men, but still had their moments – and post-fixture analysis focused more on how they couldn't get the job done before that. "During the opening period, we got ahead of ourselves – we were wasteful," Garcia concluded.

"We have to stay with the emotions, stay calm, as well as keep our composure," striker Romelu Lukaku commented to FIFA. "That is something that we have to improve on, I think the stars know that as well."

The intensity's on now for their last fixture against New Zealand – a victory is a must to have matters in their own hands. But according to Raskin, this feeling is nothing new: "It's the World Cup! Every fixture is under intensity, so it doesn't change anything for us. We just need to go out, as well as victory."

"Desire, as well as commitment to the cause," Lukaku commented about what they need to bring to the table against the All Whites. "It's a World Cup, it's the biggest competition, the biggest stage. We don't want to go home. We want to go as far as possible, as well as we want to put ourselves in the greatest position. Let's go for it!"