Belguim V Kasakhstan Review

Belguim were undoubtadly expected to win this encounter with the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan on the Kazakh's debut in the tournament.

Much of the credit for the draw can be placed at the Kazakh goalkeeper David Loriya who played a "blinder" and kept the experienced Belguim frontline at bay despite the hometeam having a staggering 80 per cent of the possession and having three penalty claims against them denied by the Northern Ireland Referee Mark Courtney.

But the away team weren't without their own chances. Captain Nurbol Zhumaskaliyev had great chances either side of the half.

The Kazakh coach, Arno Pijpers was proud of his team: 'We did our homework and played to our strength which is on the counter-attack ... 'I was never scared of losing the game until maybe at the very end.'

The home fans weren't happy facing missing another tournament after failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, as their team left for the dressing room they were roundly booed although their Coach Rene Vandereycken remained optimistic, 'There is no panic. I am disappointed, yes, but there are 13 more games,' he said.

In the next games the Belguim team face an uncomfortable trip to Armenia, whilst the Kazakh's take a quick trip to Azerbaijan.

Result:
Belgium 0 - 0 Kazakhstan

Goals:
None

Stadium:
Koning Boudewijn Stadion

Attendance:
15,495

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