Belgium Draws Kazakhstan 1-1 But Closes In on World Cup Spot
Belgium draws Kazakhstan 1-1 in a surprising FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match took place at Astana Arena on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Belgium entered the contest needing one win to seal qualification. However, the 115th-ranked home side played with immense pride and spirit. Kazakhstan, already eliminated, stunned the heavy favorites early.
Dastan Satpaev scored the opening goal in the ninth minute. Consequently, the 17-year-old found the back of the net with a lovely finish. Satpaev’s strike marked his first international goal. Clearly, the goal ignited the vociferous home support. Belgium then struggled against Kazakhstan’s aggressive pressing game. Passes from Leandro Trossard and Timothy Castagne missed their targets. Goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov quickly emerged as a star. Specifically, he denied Trossard with a stunning save. Furthermore, he showed great agility to parry a powerful shot from Hans Vanaken.
The second half began with the Red Devils pushing hard for the equalizer. The team successfully maintained patient build-up play. Nevertheless, they struggled to break down the resilient Kazakh backline. Ultimately, the breakthrough arrived just three minutes into the second period. Hans Vanaken, the Belgian captain, scored the crucial equalizer. Indeed, Timothy Castagne delivered a pinpoint cross to Vanaken. The midfielder had been one of Belgium’s biggest threats going forward.
The game then turned into a frantic battle. Anarbekov continued his inspired performance between the posts. Moreover, the 22-year-old goalkeeper pulled off another stunning save. He kept out a deflected shot from Vanaken using his head. Therefore, he single-handedly kept Kazakhstan in the tense contest. Jeremy Doku also threatened the defense consistently. He delivered an excellent cross that Vanaken almost converted. In addition, Raskin missed a header opportunity in the 38th minute. The final whistle confirmed the 1-1 scoreline. Thus, Belgium draws Kazakhstan, gaining a vital qualification point. The Czech Republic’s result will determine if the Red Devils seal their spot immediately.
