Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia Player Ratings: Dimitrievski Rated 9.5/10 as Dominant Belgium Held to a Frustrating 0-0 Stalemate

The match, part of the WC Qualification Europe, was a classic tale of attack versus defense. It's still hard to digest a team that had only relied on their defense to take a point from the game actually did it. It's a shame for a team that had stars like Ex-Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, Doku, Trossard and others to settle for a draw against a much weaker team on paper. However ,if we look at the previous performances, both teams are yet to register a loss in their last 5 matches and are currently at the top with given points.

The Belgians dominated every statistical category. They peppered the goal with shots, but found an impenetrable red wall. We noticed the sheer desperation on the faces of stars like Kevin De Bruyne as the minutes ticked by. He and the electric Jérémy Doku tried every trick in the book but were met with incredible resistance.

Ultimately, this match will be remembered for North Macedonia's grit. Their defensive organization was flawless, and their goalkeeper was simply out of this world. While Belgium will lament two points dropped, North Macedonia celebrated a famous and hard-earned point.

Here are Belgium Vs North Macedonia Player Ratings

Belgium Player Ratings vs North Macedonia

Here are Belgium Player Ratings vs North Macedonia

Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois - 6.0: He might as well have brought a book to read. He had literally nothing to do all game. His passing was perfect at 100%, but he wasn't tested with a single shot. An easy, yet likely frustrating, clean sheet.

Defenders

Zeno Debast - 7.0: Incredibly comfortable in possession, recycling the ball with 96% accuracy. He spent the entire game in the opposition half. Wasn't asked to do any real defending. A stroll in the park for him.

Arthur Theate - 7.0: Similar to his defensive partner, he was more of a deep-lying playmaker. He stepped into midfield and kept attacks moving. Made a few important clearances but picked up a needless yellow card out of frustration.

Maxim De Cuyper - 7.5: A constant attacking threat down the left. He attempted a staggering 16 crosses. While the quality varied, his intent to create was undeniable. A very lively performance, though he couldn't find the killer ball.

Timothy Castagne - 7.0: Solid and energetic down the right flank. He was diligent with his defensive duties and got forward well. However, he missed a huge chance from close range that could have won the game. That miss really brings his rating down.

Midfielders

Kevin De Bruyne - 8.0: The maestro tried everything. He created an astonishing seven chances for his teammates. From our perspective, his vision was on another level. But his frustration boiled over, leading to a yellow card and some wayward efforts. He couldn't provide the magic touch this time.

Nicolas Raskin - 7.0: A really industrious performance in the middle. He made 12 ball recoveries and won all five of his tackles. He was the engine room that allowed the more creative players to flourish. A very effective, if understated, display.

Hans Vanaken - 6.5: Floated around the game without ever truly grabbing it by the scruff of the neck. He got into good areas and had a header go just over. We just expected more from a player of his quality in a game like this.

Jérémy Doku - 8.5: Belgium's most dangerous player by a country mile. He was an absolute nightmare for the defenders, completing seven dribbles. He had six shots and created five chances. The only thing missing was a goal or an assist.

Alexis Saelemaekers - 6.0: He was all energy and effort but lacked composure. He took five shots, but four were blocked. Got into good positions but seemed to snatch at his chances. A bit of a headless chicken performance.

Forwards

Leandro Trossard - 6.0: A quiet and disappointing night for the forward. He was largely anonymous for long spells. His movement was okay but his finishing was poor when he did get a sight of goal. Substituted after 74 ineffective minutes.

Substitutes

Loïs Openda - 6.5: Came on and immediately looked threatening, forcing a good save. Provided a more direct threat than the man he replaced.

Malick Fofana - 6.5: Looked bright and had a great chance that he dragged wide. Also forced a brilliant save late on.

Amadou Onana - N/A: Not on long enough to make a significant impact.

Thomas Meunier - N/A: Came on late to add fresh legs.

Joaquin Seys - N/A: A late change with little time to influence the game.

Manager

R. Garcia - 5.5: His team had all the ball and all the chances but no goals. The approach felt a bit one-dimensional. When Plan A wasn't working, there didn't seem to be a Plan B. A frustrating night for the man in charge.

North Macedonia Player Ratings vs Belgium

Here are

Goalkeeper

Stole Dimitrievski - 9.5: An absolutely heroic, man-of-the-match performance. He was a colossal figure in goal. Made five crucial saves, commanded his box with authority, and punched clear under pressure. A performance for the ages that earned his country a famous point.

Defenders

Andrej Stojcevski - 6.0: He had a really tough time against Belgium's tricky wingers. Was dribbled past three times. However, he stuck to his task and made eight clearances. A difficult but determined effort before being subbed.

Stefan Aškovski - 5.5: He was completely overwhelmed in the first half. Doku gave him a torrid time, and he was booked for a clumsy challenge. It was no surprise to see him substituted at half-time. A night to forget for him.

Gjoko Zajkov - 9.0: A true warrior at the heart of the defense. He was a magnet for the ball, making an incredible 11 clearances and blocking five shots. He put his body on the line again and again. An immense defensive display.

Visar Musliu - 8.0: Was forming a brilliant partnership with Zajkov before an unfortunate injury cut his night short. He made six clearances and two blocks himself. His team will be hoping his injury isn't serious.

Ezgjan Alioski - 7.0: A typically tenacious performance. He spent the entire match defending but never shirked his duties. Won six of his nine duels and made five clearances. A real team player.

Midfielders

Eljif Elmas - 6.5: We know his quality, but he simply couldn't show it here. He was forced to do a huge amount of defensive work, making 10 ball recoveries. However, he lost possession frequently under intense pressure. A selfless but frustrating game for him.

Tihomir Kostadinov - 7.5: A brilliant battling performance in midfield. He was a thorn in Belgium's side, winning eight duels and making three successful tackles. His energy was infectious and vital to his team's defensive structure.

Jani Atanasov - 7.0: Put in a huge shift for his team. He was disciplined, made four clearances and two tackles. He helped protect his backline superbly. A disciplined and effective performance.

Forwards

Enis Bardhi - 6.0: The captain was completely isolated up front. He chased shadows for most of the game. His job was more about pressing the Belgian defenders than creating chances. A thankless task that he performed with commitment.

Bojan Miovski - 6.0: Just like his strike partner, he fed on scraps. He worked hard to hold the ball up but was often crowded out. He had no chance to show his goalscoring instincts. Substituted early in the second half.

Substitutes

Darko Churlinov - 7.0: Came on at halftime and provided more defensive stability than Askovski.

Milan Ristovski - 6.5: Brought fresh legs and continued the hard work of the starting forwards.

Isnik Alimi - N/A: A late substitute to help see out the game.

Stefan Despotovski - N/A: Came on and helped make a key block.

Darko Velkovski - N/A: Replaced the injured Musliu and slotted in seamlessly.

Manager

B. Milevski - 9.0: An absolute tactical masterclass. He knew his team's limitations and set them up perfectly to frustrate a world-class opponent. His defensive structure was unbreakable. He deserves immense credit for this historic result.

Sportsdunia's Player of the match is Dimitrievski