Belgium squad split by ‘mutual distrust’ as press and players turn on Kevin De Bruyne after World Cup loss to Morocco
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BELGIUM players and press have been split by "mutual distrust" with Kevin De Bruyne in the firing line following defeat to Morocco.
The World Cup hopefuls scraped past Canada in their opener thanks to Michy Batshuayi's first-half goal.
Manchester City's De Bruyne, 31, incredibly wrote off Belgium's chances in Qatar due to the squad "ageing".
What followed was a shock 2-0 defeat to Morocco, leaving Roberto Martinez's side in third place.
Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, 35, responded by taking a swipe at De Bruyne following the crucial loss.
He said: "In the end we conceded two identical goals on the set piece, twice at the near post. Balls that should never go in.
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"The first time we got away well (disallowed for offside), the second time not anymore.
"There's so much going through my mind right now, things I shouldn't say in the open air.
"I don't think we created any chances. Where did it go wrong? We probably also attack badly because we are too old, that must be it now, surely?
"We have a lot of quality up front, but so does Morocco, and they came out better today. This is very frustrating."
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The Belgian media also hit out at talisman De Bruyne, with website HLN writing in their headline: "He lost the ball 27 times!"
And De Standaard went one further by saying: "Can someone shake De Bruyne awake?"
Belgium play table toppers Croatia on Thursday knowing only a win guarantees them a spot in the knockout stages.
