Stalemate in Gent: Belgium and North Macedonia Play to Scoreless Draw in Critical World Cup Qualifier

GENT, Belgium — In a match that promised goals but delivered none, Belgium and North Macedonia battled to a frustrating 0-0 draw Friday night at Planet Group Arena, a result that does neither side any favors in their quest for World Cup qualification.

The Red Devils entered the match riding a wave of offensive momentum, having demolished Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein by identical 6-0 scorelines in their previous qualifiers. North Macedonia, meanwhile, arrived with their own statement of intent—a dominant 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein that signaled their transformation into a legitimate contender in European qualifying.

Yet on this chilly October evening, the goals that flowed so freely in September dried up completely. Belgium, playing before their home supporters, controlled long stretches of possession but found North Macedonia's defensive structure impenetrable. The visitors, who entered the match atop the group standings with Belgium sitting second, executed their game plan with precision—ceding territory but refusing to yield dangerous chances.

The opening half unfolded with Belgium probing but North Macedonia absorbing. Kevin De Bruyne, whose sublime touch had produced a goal in that Liechtenstein rout, found himself shadowed constantly, his usual passing lanes closed off by Macedonia's disciplined midfield. Youri Tielemans, who bagged a brace against Liechtenstein, struggled to find rhythm in the congested central areas.

A Tactical Chess Match

North Macedonia's approach reflected their recent defensive solidity. Having conceded just two goals in their last five matches while scoring eleven, they arrived at Planet Group Arena with confidence in their organizational principles. Their backline held firm, limiting Belgium's creative players to speculative efforts from distance rather than the close-range chances that had characterized their September goal festivals.

Belgium's recent defensive vulnerabilities—they had conceded four goals across their last five matches—never materialized as a concern because North Macedonia showed little ambition to press forward in numbers. The visitors' conservative approach, while effective in securing a point on the road, meant that Eljif Elmas, whose 15th-minute strike had opened the floodgates against Liechtenstein, rarely found opportunities to influence the attacking third.

The second half brought increased urgency from Belgium but no breakthrough. Maxim De Cuyper, whose 29th-minute goal had sparked the demolition of Liechtenstein, pushed forward from his defensive position, seeking to create overloads on the flanks. Arthur Theate, another scorer in that Liechtenstein match, saw more of the ball in advanced positions as Belgium desperately searched for the opener that might crack Macedonia's resolve.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The result carries particular significance given the recent history between these sides. Their previous encounter ended in a 1-1 draw—a result that snapped North Macedonia's three-match losing streak against Belgium, during which they had failed to score. Friday's stalemate suggests the power dynamic between these nations has shifted considerably.

For Belgium, the draw represents two points dropped at home, a costly mistake in the unforgiving mathematics of World Cup qualifying. Their offensive prowess—17 goals in their last five matches—proved hollow against an opponent willing to prioritize defensive stability over attacking ambition. The Red Devils' 80 percent scoring rate in recent matches meant nothing when confronted with opponents who refused to give them space to operate.

North Macedonia, meanwhile, will view this result with quiet satisfaction. Extending their unbeaten run while taking a point from Belgium's home fortress reinforces their status as genuine qualifiers. Their 70 percent clean sheet rate in recent matches proved decisive, as they became the first team in Belgium's recent qualifying campaign to prevent the Red Devils from scoring.

The Road Ahead

The scoreless draw leaves both teams in precarious positions. Belgium must now regroup and rediscover the clinical edge that produced those emphatic September victories. Their next matches will require greater creativity against opponents who have clearly identified the blueprint for frustrating their attack.

For North Macedonia, maintaining their position atop the group will demand more performances like Friday's—disciplined, organized, and resilient. Their transformation from perennial underdogs to group leaders represents one of the qualifying cycle's most compelling narratives.

As the World Cup qualifying campaign continues, Friday's stalemate serves as a reminder that momentum means nothing without execution, and that sometimes the teams that score the fewest goals concede the fewest points.