Belgium Dominates Liechtenstein in Convincing Win

Coach Rudi Garcia emphasized the importance of a swift start, and his players responded with exceptional execution. Just two minutes and thirty seconds into the match, Youri Tielemans delivered a well-placed cross that Hans Vanaken skillfully redirected into the net with a glancing header. This early breakthrough was exactly what Belgium sought and what Liechtenstein dreaded.

Despite remaining resolute for the next thirty minutes, the visitors ultimately succumbed to Belgium’s relentless pressure. Alexis Saelemaekers found space along the byline, skillfully cutting the ball back for Jeremy Doku, who finished unmarked from close range. With confidence soaring, Doku struck again shortly after, capitalizing on a loose clearance, maneuvering past three defenders, and guiding the ball into the corner of the net. By half-time, Belgium had established a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The second half brought an explosive display of football. Eight minutes after the break, Tielemans flicked a corner into a dangerous area, allowing Brandon Mechele to find the net for the fourth goal. Three minutes later, a long-range strike from Tielemans forced a save from Benjamin Buchel, but Saelemaekers was swift to capitalize on the rebound, scoring Belgium’s fifth. In just over a minute, Charles De Ketelaere joined in on the scoring, receiving a pass from Doku and finishing confidently for Belgium’s sixth goal. A minute later, Thomas Meunier made a break down the flank, squared the ball to De Ketelaere once more, and the forward calmly netted his second. At the other end, Lammens had a minimal workload, making only a single save.

Lammens, who secured a clean sheet on his international debut, marked another significant milestone in his rapidly advancing career. United signed the Belgian goalkeeper late in the summer transfer window after withdrawing interest in Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez. Lammens described his deadline-day transfer as “a dream come true” and “the beginning of something special.” To date, he has played in five Premier League matches, conceding seven goals but earning acclaim for his composure, agility, and shot-stopping abilities. He has been instrumental in United’s recent resurgence, helping the team achieve consecutive victories against Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton. His performances have drawn comparisons to the legendary United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, though Lammens himself remains humble, stating he has “a long way to go.”

Former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised the young goalkeeper during an interview with Raceday RTV, noting, “There are signs, the manager has had some good signs. Particularly, the goalkeeper has been outstanding, having only played three or four games and looking really good. Of course, [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Matheus] Cunha, the new additions from Wolves and Brentford, have contributed as well. I hope the manager finds some success because at United, success is vital—things are looking better. Back-to-back wins should be an expectation for teams like United, and while improvement often requires patience, they will surely enjoy this period.”

Lammens expressed confidence regarding the pressures at United, stating, “There has been considerable discussion about the goalkeepers in recent years, often accompanied by negative comments. I wasn’t concerned by that. I aspire to be a player whom others admire. My dream is to represent this club for the next ten years, to be a pivotal figure, and to build a legacy. That is a long-term ambition.”

Amorim’s squad followed their three-game winning streak with two successive 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham. United will return to action on November 24 with a home match against Everton.