HARSH WORLD CUP DEBUT FOR DE KETELAERE

Charles De Ketelaere made his first career World Cup appearance in the Al Thumana Stadium clash between Belgium and Morocco, although the occasion was not the most fortunate. The Rossoneri youngster came on in the 75th minute, taking Batshuayi's place and joining Trossard in a change made by coach Martinez in hope of revitalising the Red Devils after the Moroccan lead had been taken with a goal from Sampdoria midfielder Sabiri. Of the players fielded by Belgium so far in this World Cup, only Amadou Onana (16/8/2001) is younger than Charles De Ketelaere (10/3/2001).

CDK initially went to occupy the role of centre forward - engaging in three aerial duels with the opposing defenders, among his teammates only Vertonghen (nine) having made more - and then changed slightly with the insertion of Romelu Lukaku during the charge in the final minutes. Belgium's changes, however, did not have the desired effect and, in stoppage time, Morocco's second goal, scored by Aboukhlal, ended the match at 2-0. For the Belgian national team, the challenge against Croatia, scheduled for Thursday 1 December at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, becomes decisive: a real in or out that will decide the outcome of Group F.

The AC Milan PUMA Kits for the 2022/23 season are now available: get yours now!