{"id":6418,"date":"2025-10-09T10:10:32","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T07:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/tz\/news\/?p=6418"},"modified":"2025-10-09T10:10:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T07:10:33","slug":"clash-in-ghent-belgium-vs-north-macedonia-who-will-seize-the-upper-hand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/tz\/news\/clash-in-ghent-belgium-vs-north-macedonia-who-will-seize-the-upper-hand\/","title":{"rendered":"Clash in Ghent: Belgium vs North Macedonia \u2013 Who Will Seize the Upper Hand?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On paper, this is the kind of fixture that defines a campaign. In UEFA Group J<\/strong>, Belgium<\/strong>, currently second, hosts North Macedonia<\/strong>, the group’s leaders, in Ghent. A win for Belgium wouldn\u2019t just close the gap \u2014 it could see the Red Devils overtake the Balkan side, especially since they have a fixture in hand. The Group J winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up must navigate the playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belgium\u2019s form is imposing: they have won their last two qualifiers 6-0 (versus Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein), underlining their attacking dominance. Meanwhile, North Macedonia enters this match unbeaten in 12 games (excluding friendlies) \u2014 a strong run, though with limited success against higher-ranked teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reverse meeting<\/a> ended 1\u20131, snapping North Macedonia\u2019s prior three-match losing streak against Belgium. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tactical Matchups and Key Variables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Belgium\u2019s Firepower vs Missing Stars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Belgium boasts a deep squad and has shown they can absolutely light up weaker opposition with flair. The risk, however, lies in translation: can they break down a compact, motivated North Macedonian defense?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Belgium<\/a> won\u2019t be at full strength. Romelu Lukaku<\/strong> and Youri Tielemans<\/strong> are sidelined \u2014 two leaders, both on and off the pitch. Their absence could reduce Belgium\u2019s attacking edge and midfield balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To fill the void, coach Rudi Garcia has recalled veteran Axel Witsel<\/strong><\/a>, whose experience may provide stability. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Macedonia\u2019s Resilience and Dependence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

North Macedonia will approach this with a defensive mindset and hope to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Their recent record of scoring in away games (six straight) shows they do carry a threat on the break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will also rely on Ezgjan Alioski<\/strong><\/a>, who has proven to be a talisman \u2014 his goals often swing momentum, and in the last H2H, he netted for Macedonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, their clean sheet record against elite sides is mixed, and Belgium\u2019s attacking depth may test their backline more than many previous opponents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Clash
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Prediction and Scoreline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What to Expect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n