Doku returns, Belgium face make-or-break New Zealand clash

Doku returns to Seattle as a father

Jeremy Doku is back in the Belgium camp. He landed in Seattle on Tuesday evening after a whirlwind trip to London for the birth of his son (1) (2). He tried to slip out through a side exit, but cameras caught him anyway (4). No word yet on whether he starts against New Zealand on Saturday, but he is in the building and that is what matters right now.

Trossard and Mechele miss training

Wednesday's session came with two notable absentees. Leandro Trossard took a hard knock to the calf and was given rest. Brandon Mechele also sat out (2) (3) (6). With the New Zealand match three days away, both are questions Rudi Garcia does not need.

Ibrahimovic and Keane unload on Belgium

The Iran match was so dull that Zlatan Ibrahimovic said he fell asleep. Roy Keane did not hold back either (12). The 0–0 draw left Belgium with two points from two games, and the pundits are circling. No goals scored in 180 minutes of knockout-stage football. That is the number that stings.

Theate: 'Enough quality to do something beautiful'

Arthur Theate is not panicking. The defender told HLN the squad has enough quality to still make something of this World Cup (9). It is the kind of line you want to hear from the dressing room, even if the table says Belgium are in the danger zone for best third-placed teams (8).

Courtois is 'the best in everything', says his wife

Mishel Gerzig gave an exclusive interview backing her husband Thibaut Courtois. She called him the best in everything, on and off the pitch (5). Courtois has been one of the few bright spots in this campaign so far.

Racist remarks overshadow Belgium–Iran

A Serbian broadcaster has apologised after analyst Rade Bogdanovic made racist comments during the Belgium–Iran match (10). The station asked for forgiveness publicly. No further fallout yet, but it is a grim footnote to an already grim evening.

New Zealand, Saturday, 5am Belgian time

This is it. Belgium face New Zealand on Saturday morning at 5am Belgian time (4) (6) (9). You need a win. A draw might not be enough even for the best third-placed route (8). Your team have not scored a goal in two group matches. Saturday changes that or the flight home is booked.