Doku and De Bruyne taken off whilst 2-0 down Belgium manager going out in a ball of flames. Respect 🤣🤣🤣 Via @SeanSheehanBA on X

What happened: Belgium's manager withdrew Doku and De Bruyne while the side trailed 2-0. Taking off both of the team's most influential attackers while chasing a two-goal deficit is a striking in-match decision, effectively conceding the result and turning attention to what comes next.

Why it matters: Doku and De Bruyne are central to Belgium's attacking plan, so pulling them together signals a manager bracing for the end rather than mounting a comeback. It is the same Doku who recently committed his long-term future to Manchester City, and losing his creativity leaves Belgium short of ideas at the worst possible moment.

What to watch: Watch how Belgium and its manager regroup, and whether the decision to sacrifice both stars invites fresh questions about the bench's direction.

Sources