Belgium were left to rue missed chances in Brussels as North Macedonia’s stubborn defensive display earned them a valuable 0-0 draw in FIFA World Cup qualifying, extending the visitors’ remarkable unbeaten run in competitive matches to 14.
The Red Devils dominated possession but found no way through a disciplined North Macedonian side that has now conceded just twice in the entire qualifying campaign.
Despite Belgium’s attacking wealth, they failed to register a shot on target in the first half, with Leandro Trossard heading over Maxim De Cuyper’s cross in one of their few promising moments.
De Cuyper thought he had broken the deadlock midway through the half after a slick exchange involving Kevin De Bruyne, but the Manchester City playmaker was ruled offside in the buildup. At the other end, Jani Atanasov volleyed narrowly wide in a rare chance for the visitors.
The hosts came alive after the restart, with Jeremy Doku finally testing goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski two minutes into the second half.
The Macedonian shot-stopper went on to frustrate Belgium with a string of vital saves, including one to deny De Bruyne’s curling strike and another double stop to repel efforts from Doku and substitute Lois Openda.
Belgium’s late surges have often yielded goals, six in their previous five matches after the 80th minute but not this time.
Domenico Tedesco’s side were forced to settle for a point that keeps them behind group leaders, while North Macedonia’s resilient run keeps their World Cup qualification dream alive.
