Brandon Mechele

Solid display at center-back

Mechele registered two shots (one on goal) in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.

Analysis: Mechele delivered a composed and authoritative display in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering two shots (one on target), one interception and two tackles as the left centre-back in Belgium's back four, winning his aerial duels and reading Egypt's transitional runs intelligently in a match where his side's defensive vulnerability came from midfield rather than the backline. The Club Brugge centre-back was one of Belgium's more reliable performers on a difficult evening, helping to limit Egypt to just one goal despite the defensive anxiety that followed Emam Ashour's early strike, and his experience and composure under pressure will be important assets as Belgium navigate a group that has become more competitive than anticipated after the draw in Seattle.