Mohamed Barakat Stresses Need for Strong Defense Against Belgium Due to Lukaku

Former Egyptian football star Mohamed Barakat has emphasized the necessity for the national team to bolster its defense in the upcoming match against Belgium, highlighting that the presence of Romelu Lukaku could pose a significant challenge for the squad.

Speaking during a television program, Barakat noted the importance of solid defensive play after observing the match between Mexico and South Africa in the 2026 World Cup, stating that Mexico deserved their victory thanks to strong support from their fans.

Analysis of South Africa’s Performance

Barakat remarked that South Africa’s performance was underwhelming, while Mexico demonstrated greater efficiency, making them favorites to top their group despite not being expected to advance far in the tournament.

Regarding Egypt’s match against Brazil, he commented, “The goal we conceded was due to repeated mistakes from Marwan Attia and Zico.” He stressed the need for improved defensive play, especially when facing Belgium.

On the Belgian team, Barakat pointed out that age could be a factor, as their midfield includes older players, which might add physical strain during the match.

He also praised Helmy Toulane’s perspective on playing style, asserting that how the game is managed will be crucial. Barakat suggested a formation that emphasizes greater defensive security with players like Hamdi Fathy, Mohamed Abdel Monem, and Yasser Ibrahim to strengthen the backline.