Overview
The Belgian team is now very close to a direct ticket to the World Cup next year, thanks to the brilliance in the second half of one of the veteran players last week.
Coach Garcia's team almost suffered a surprise defeat against Kazakhstan when Dastan Satpaev opened the scoring in the 9th minute. However, Hans Vanaken managed to score the equalizer in the second half, maintaining Belgium's unbeaten record in this group.
With 4 wins and 3 draws after seven matches in Group J, Belgium is 2 points ahead of Wales and Northern Macedonia. They also have a better number of goals conceded than their opponents chasing.
That means a almost certain draw would be enough for Belgium to qualify directly for the World Cup without having to go through the play-off round. However, any result other than a convincing win against Liechtenstein will be considered a failure.
Belgium's recent home record has not been really impressive. However, they have previously scored a total of 13 goals in 3 World Cup qualifiers at home, proving their overwhelming strength against weaker teams in the group.
Expected to finish bottom of the table when the draw takes place, Liechtenstein is not surprised as their fate in the World Cup qualifiers has been decided for a long time.
Ranked 206th in the FIFA rankings, Liechtenstein has lost all 7 matches in Group J, has not scored any goals and conceded a total of 24 goals. The most recent loss was against Wales.
However, the visitors could be proud to have held on for nearly an hour against the "Dragons", before Jordan James scored the only goal of the match. Their defensive form is still better than San Marino and Moldova, if that can comfort this team.
However, under Konrad Funfstuck, Liechtenstein is the only UEFA team that has not scored any goals in the World Cup qualifiers. They have extended their streak of defeat to 11 consecutive matches since the goalless draw with Gibraltar in October 2024.
Liechtenstein also suffered a heavy defeat in the opening group match against Belgium in September, losing 0-6 at home. In that match, players Youri Tielemans (2 goals), Kevin De Bruyne, Malick Fofana, Maxim De Cuyper and Arthur Theate all contributed to Belgium's overwhelming victory.
Personnel situation
Belgium coach Garcia will have an important addition when Thomas Meunier returns from suspension. However, Timothy Castagne of Fulham will still be kept at right-back.
The home team has just lost goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to injury before the draw with Kazakhstan, but they still maintained stable performance before the match against Liechtenstein. Matz Sels will likely continue to be selected as a goalkeeper, competing with Senne Lammens of Manchester United.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans, who is still recovering from a calf injury, only came off the bench in the most recent match and is unlikely to start.
As for Liechtenstein, the away team also welcomed the return of 28-year-old defender Jens Hofer after suspension.
Hofer's return came at the right time when left-back Emanuel Zund and striker Fabio Luque-Notaro both had to leave the field due to injury. Will Pizzi is the only option to replace Luque-Notaro.
In addition, captain Nicolas Hasler will have his 109th match for Liechtenstein. With 7 international goals, he is the third highest scorer in the history of this national team.
Expected lineup:
Belgium: Sels, Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper, Onana, Raskin, Lukebakio, Vanaken, Doku, Openda.
Liechtenstein: Buchel, Meier, Malin, Goppel, N. Hasler, Sele, Luchinger, A. Hasler, Hofer, Pizzi, Salanovic.
The match between Belgium and Liechtenstein takes place at 2:45 am on November 19 (Vietnam time).
