sport news Belgium's press and players turn on De Bruyne, with squad split by 'mutual ... trends now
Belgium's press have joined Jan Vertonghen in turning on Kevin De Bruyne following the Red Devils' 2-0 defeat to Morocco.
The loss has left De Bruyne and his side on the verge of World Cup elimination, with three points to their names and just 2018 runners up Croatia left to play in Group F.
The midfielder put in another poor performance in the defeat, and has been slated by the media back in his home country.
Belgian media has turned on Kevin De Bruyne after Belgium's loss to Morocco on Sunday
The midfielder has put in two poor performances for the Red Devils so far at the World Cup
The media have joined defender Jan Vertonghen (left) in targeting Belgium's talisman
'He lost the ball 27 times!' Belgian website HLN wrote in their headline, targeting De Bruyne.
'There must be new blood!' they tagged another article. Words from former Dutch midfielder Jan Mulder. At least they somewhat agree with the midfielder.
Le Soir didn't hold back in their criticism either. Player ratings... three for stand-in striker Michy Batshuayi, three for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and four for De Bruyne.
He was supposed to be the difference for the world's number two-ranked side this tournament, but is yet to make his mark despite regularly starting for the best team in the world at club level.
De Standaard provided possibly the harshest assessment of the lot, with the headline reading:
