Doku out against Iran as Belgium's World Cup gets tense

Doku out against Iran, respiratory infection

Jeremy Doku is out. Belgium's most dangerous winger will miss Sunday's group match against Iran with a respiratory infection (3) (4) (5) (7) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (15) (16). Rudi Garcia did not leave room for doubt: "Someone who is not 100 percent medically, I cannot put in the lineup" (7).

This is a real blow. Your team already stumbled in the opener, a disappointing draw against Spain, and now goes into the second Group G match without its sharpest attacking weapon.

Garcia downplays Lukaku expectations

And now Romelu Lukaku is not fully fit either. Garcia tempered expectations again on Sunday: "The desire to play more is great, but..." (11) (12) (13). He did not finish the sentence. He did not need to.

With Doku ruled out and Lukaku limited, Belgium's attack looks thin heading into a match you simply cannot afford to lose.

Belgium face Iran Sunday at 21:00

The match kicks off at 21:00 Belgian time (11). Spain also play Sunday, hunting their own redemption after that same opening draw (2).

Your team is in transition, the Golden Generation era is over, and Courtois and Hazard are the last pillars from that time. A win against Iran would settle a lot of nerves.

Chadli visits the squad in Los Angeles

Nacer Chadli stopped by the Belgium camp in LA during the tournament (1) (11). A familiar face, and maybe a welcome bit of lightness in a tense week.

Doku criticised over birth-plan reports

Doku is also under fire off the pitch. Reports that he planned to leave the World Cup squad to attend the birth of his child have drawn criticism (8) (14) (16). The same reports note that Norway's Leo Østigård did the same and was celebrated, but context matters, and Belgium's campaign is on the line (14).

Light moment between Meunier and Garcia

Not everything is heavy. Thomas Meunier and Rudi Garcia shared a funny moment in camp, a small reminder that the squad still has some life in it despite the pressure (6).

Fan reactions

Belgium fans are nervous. The mood after the Spain draw was already fragile, and Doku's absence has only darkened expectations. Eden Hazard himself asked supporters for patience ahead of the tournament, and Chelsea fans online seem more nostalgic about Hazard than optimistic about the current squad. One summed it up bluntly: "Belgium has very little chance imo, but great to see the legend hanging back."

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