"Kazakhstan goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov produced a brilliant display at Astana Arena, making eight saves in the qualifier after Hans Vanaken cancelled out Dastan Satpaev's ninth-minute opener. Matz Sels did well to tip a curling effort from Galymzhan Kenzhebek around the post, but the hosts took the lead moments later when Satpaev ran at Koni De Winter before creating room for himself to fire a shot past the goalkeeper."
"Anarbekov then sprang into action for his side. The 22-year-old denied efforts from Vanaken and Leandro Trossard before also turning Timothy Castagne's powerful effort over the bar on the stroke of half-time. However, Belgium equalised just three minutes after the break through their captain. Vanaken made no mistake from close range as he headed Castagne's cross home with ease. Anarbekov denied the Red Devils' skipper twice shortly after the hour mark,"
"Belgium were without top scorer Kevin De Bruyne, who is currently recovering from hamstring surgery, and their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly. They produced 2.5 expected goals (xG) from 20 shots, compared to Kazakhstan's 0.34 from nine attempts, while registering 77.2% of possession. Captain Vanaken did his best to find a winner, taking shots and accumulating 1.27 xG of his own, while Doku created a game-high eight chances and won nine of his 14"
Belgium failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan in Astana. Dastan Satpaev opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Hans Vanaken equalised three minutes into the second half. Kazakhstan goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov produced a brilliant display, making eight saves to frustrate Belgium's attack. Islam Chesnokov was sent off late for a foul on Jeremy Doku. Belgium dominated possession and outshot Kazakhstan, producing 2.5 expected goals from 20 shots, but wastefulness in front of goal cost them. Kevin De Bruyne missed the match while recovering from hamstring surgery.
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