North Macedonia hold off Belgium attack to claim vital World Cup point

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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group J - Belgium v North Macedonia - KAA Gent Stadium, Ghent, Belgium - October 10, 2025 Belgium's Lois Openda in action with North Macedonia's Visar Musliu REUTERS/Yves Herman

Belgium's Lois Openda in action with North Macedonia's Visar Musliu.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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GHENT, Belgium - North Macedonia put on a defensive masterclass to hold Belgium to a 0-0 draw away in their World Cup qualifier on Oct 10 and keep a one-point lead in Group J.

The visitors kept out everything Belgium could throw at them in a near 90-minute siege and lead with 12 points from six games, one ahead of Belgium who have a game in hand.

Belgium attacked almost from the start, with Jeremy Doku continually trying to open up the defence from the left flank and Kevin De Bruyne probing from the edge of the area.

But their efforts were thwarted by a committed defence and when it was breached, goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski came up with some key saves. REUTERS

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