World Cup roundup: Anarbekov heroics deny Belgium; Spain on verge of qualifying
15-Nov-2025 18:27:42 | Guardian
The Kazakhstan goalkeeper, Temirlan Anarbekov, made a series of stunning saves to deny Belgium the opportunity to clinch World Cup qualification as they drew 1-1 in their Group J game at the Astana Arena. Belgium are still heavily fancied to win the group and book a berth at next year’s tournament when they finish their qualifying campaign at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday. The draw left them two points clear of second-placed North Macedonia.
Belgium had to come from behind after Kazakhstan, who were down to 10 men for the last 11 minutes, scored early through the 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev before Hans Vanaken equalised early in the second half. A sloppy pass from Arthur Theate allowed the teenager to bear down on the Belgian goal and shoot into a gap Matz Sels left at his near post.
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