Belgium unsettled as Iran look to pounce in opener

Belgium lineup in flux ahead of your opener

Belgium face Iran on Saturday in their World Cup opener, and Rudi Garcia has questions in every line. Analyst Hayk Milkon called out one position plainly: "That position really has to change for me" (2). The debate runs from defense to attack, Mechele or Ngoy, De Cuyper's role, and whether Doku or Meunier gets the nod wide (2). Belgium are hunting three points, and Garcia still hasn't settled on his best eleven.

Lukaku unlikely to start against Iran

Romelu Lukaku has had what Belgian media are calling an absolute nightmare year, and he probably won't be ready to start against your team (1). The striker's form and fitness have cratered over the past twelve months, and rushing him into the lineup would be a gamble Garcia may not take (1). For Iran, facing a Belgium side without their all-time top scorer changes the equation.

Boskamp: start Vanaken against Iran

Johan Boskamp has weighed in with a clear message for Sunday's match: start Hans Vanaken. "With Hansie you can play football and score" (3). The former player sees Vanaken as a creative solution in a side still searching for its rhythm. Whether Garcia listens is another matter, Vanaken has spent years on the fringes of this Belgium setup.