Maxim De Cuyper showed his attacking instincts on the World Cup stage.
But the Albion left-back’s first start in a major tournament ended in frustration as he was denied four times.
De Cuyper, who was substitute in Belgium’s opening draw against Egypt, started the 0-0 stalemate with Iran and saw four shots saved by inspired goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Advertisement
One save in particular by the grounded keeper bordered on the miraculous as he reached out a hand to block a point-blank effort by De Cuyper following brilliant work by Kevin De Bruyne.
But the Seagulls man should have buried the chance.
De Cuyper largely gave a busy and enterprising display which underlined the part he can play for Albion when Premier League and European competitions kick off next season.
Speaking to The Argus ahead of the tournament, the former Club Brugge star said: “I think I did almost every training session.
Advertisement
“I was not injured apart from the beginning of the season, when I had some small issues.
“We play a lot of 11 v 11 on the training pitch so I see that also as an advantage to play every week here 11 v 11.
“I have made a lot of progression.
“I have also been busy with the technical staff about what I can do better and what I am doing well but can improve.
Read more
Steele joins cowboy Dan for country music as England take a break
Verbruggen reveals royal seal of approval after big win for Dutch
Ex-Albion striker scores twice as Germany book their place
Advertisement
“To be fair, they don’t have to tell me what we have to do in attack.
“They just have to tell me what I can do better in defence.
“That is what we have been doing in the last seven, eight, nine months.”
Belgium now need a win against New Zealand to ease their passage into the knockout stage.
