Youri Tielemans provided a crucial assist as Belgium thrashed Tunisia 5-0 in their final World Cup warm-up, with Amadou Onana also starting in an impressive display.
- Tielemans captained Belgium and delivered a curling right-footed cross for De Ketelaere’s second goal
- Onana started and completed 66 minutes before being replaced by Vanaken
- Tielemans himself was substituted on 74 minutes having completed his primary contribution
- Belgium head into the World Cup on a 13-game unbeaten streak with a dominant final warm-up performance
Belgium dominant. The perfect World Cup statement
Belgium could not have asked for a more emphatic final World Cup warm-up. A 5-0 demolition of Tunisia, backed by 2.33 xG in the first half alone and dominant throughout, sends Rudi Garcia’s side to North America with momentum, confidence and an unbeaten streak now extended to 13 games. For Villa supporters watching on, both Tielemans and Onana delivered performances that confirm both players arrive at the tournament in excellent form.
The game was effectively over by half-time. Belgium created chance after chance: Trossard denied multiple times by Tunisian goalkeeper Chamakh before finally converting the opener in the 28th minute. Doku’s superb run from the left produced a cross-come-shot that Trossard tapped home into an empty net. One-nil at the break, but the xG figure of 2.33 suggested the scoreline significantly flattered Tunisia.
Youri Tielemans. Captain, assist, composed
Youri Tielemans captained Belgium and delivered exactly the kind of performance that confirms his status as one of the World Cup’s most technically accomplished midfielders. His assist for the second goal. a curling, right-footed cross from the left side of the box that De Ketelaere headed home on 53 minutes, was executed with characteristic elegance and precision.
The assist came moments after Tielemans had blazed over from close range in the 27th minute: a rare moment of wastefulness in an otherwise controlled display. His vision, composure in possession and set-piece delivery were all evident throughout. He completed 74 minutes before being replaced by Witsel having made the contribution that mattered most.
The form is entirely consistent with everything he produced for Villa across the season. Europa League final goal. Belgium captain. World Cup warm-up assist. Tielemans enters the tournament as one of the most dangerous and experienced midfielders on either side of the Atlantic.
Amadou Onana. Disciplined and effective
Amadou Onana’s contribution across 66 minutes mirrored his performance against Croatia four days earlier [LINK]. Deployed in central midfield alongside Tielemans and De Bruyne, the Villa midfielder provided the defensive structure that allowed Belgium’s creative players to express themselves freely.
His exit on 66 minutes, replaced by Vanaken after De Bruyne’s third goal had effectively ended the contest, was precautionary rather than performance-driven. Belgium were 3-0 ahead. Tournament management was sensible at that stage. Onana’s contribution before the substitution was exactly what was required.
The second half. A final score of five
The second half continued in the same dominant vein. De Ketelaere’s header on 53 minutes made it 2-0. De Bruyne’s emphatic finish from the edge of the box on 65 minutes completed the first-half dominance that the xG figures had been predicting. Two further goals in the 85th and 87th minutes completed a 5-0 victory that sends Belgium to North America with the most emphatic possible statement of intent.
Their World Cup Group G campaign begins against Egypt, followed by Iran and New Zealand. Based on this performance, progression from the group appears highly likely.
ReadAstonVilla Verdict
Five goals. Thirteen unbeaten games. A captain’s assist from Tielemans. A disciplined and composed contribution from Onana. Belgium head to the World Cup in excellent shape and both Villa players are central to everything that makes this team so difficult to play against. The Europa League final goal was just the beginning.
