The Kazakhstan goalkeeper, Temirlan Anarbekov, made a series of stunning saves to deny Belgium the opportunity to clinch World Cup qualification as they drew 1-1 in their Group J game at the Astana Arena. Belgium are still heavily fancied to win the group and book a berth at next year’s tournament when they finish their qualifying campaign at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday. The draw left them two points clear of second-placed North Macedonia.
Belgium had to come from behind after Kazakhstan, who were down to 10 men for the last 11 minutes, scored early through the 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev before Hans Vanaken equalised early in the second half. A sloppy pass from Arthur Theate allowed the teenager to bear down on the Belgian goal and shoot into a gap goalkeeper Matz Sels left at his near post.
That was followed by sustained Belgian pressure and a series of excellent saves from Anarbekov, who denied Vanaken, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere in the first half. Three minutes into the second half, captain Vanaken stole in between the home defence to easily head home from Timothy Castagne’s cross and level the scores, with the goalkeeper having no chance to save it.
Kazakhstan were down to 10 men when Islam Chesnokov was dismissed for a trip from behind on Jérémy Doku. Initially, he was shown a yellow card but after a review the Lithuanian referee, Donatas Rumsas, upgraded it to red.
Belgium thought they had won the game, and secured World Cup qualification, in the last minute when Nicolas Raskin had a chance in front of goal, but Anarbekov pulled off another point-blank save to deny him.
Later, Spain can qualify from Group E with a win in Georgia if Turkey fail to beat Bulgaria, though superior goal difference means the Spanish would be all but through wth any win. Austria, the Group H leaders, are in Cyprus, knowing a win would put pressure on Bosnia and Herzegovina to win their night match at home to Romania.
Denmark, ahead of Scotland in Group C, are in a late kick-off at home to Belarus, needing a win to confirm they remain ahead of Steve Clarke’s side, whose visit to Greece takes place simultaneously. A win for Switzerland against Sweden in Geneva will guarantee qualification from Group B if Kosovo fail to win in Slovenia.
