Nathan Ngoy
LOSC
Ready for new season
Ngoy is ready for the new season and training with Lille following the post World Cup break, according to the club.
Analysis: Ngoy made 29 Ligue 1 appearances last season, contributing one goal and two assists while helping Lille finish third and keep nine clean sheets, establishing himself as a regular in the back line. He capped his season with a strong World Cup showing for Belgium, contributing seven tackles, six interceptions and 18 clearances across 336 minutes, and his return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on last season's contributions.
Solid defensively in World Cup loss
Ngoy had two tackles (one won), eight clearances and two interceptions in Friday's 2-1 loss against Spain.
Analysis: Ngoy would have a decent day in the defense as Belgium tried to subdue Spain, recording two tackles, two interceptions and eight clearances despite the two goals allowed. This marks the defender's fourth start of the World Cup, missing one game due to a red card while going unused in another. At times, he looked to be the team's best defender, notching seven tackles, seven interceptions and 17 clearances in his 336 minutes of play.
Suspension over
Ngoy is no longer suspended and will be an option for Belgium's round of 32 fixture against a best third-placed nation on July 1.
Analysis: Ngoy had been sent off in the 66th minute of the match against Iran for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, which kept him out of the group stage finale against New Zealand. With his ban now served, he returns to contention for a starting role in the back line as Belgium move into the knockout stage.
Sent off against Iran
Ngoy was shown a red card in the 66th minute of Sunday's match against Iran.
Analysis: Ngoy would force Belgium to play with 10 men for the final 30 minutes of Sunday's match, as the defender would be sent off after denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. It was a bit of a shaky call, but it will now end his group stage, as he will be suspended to face New Zealand on June 26. He has started in both games in the World Cup so far, with Koni De Winter or Arthur Theate as possible options to join the starting XI.
Solid in World Cup debut
Ngoy had two tackles (zero won), four clearances and three interceptions in Monday's 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Analysis: Ngoy delivered a composed performance on his first World Cup appearance in Monday's 1-1 draw with Egypt, registering two tackle attempts, four clearances and three interceptions as the right centre-back in Belgium's back four, dealing with Egypt's physical forwards and reading transitions well throughout a match where his side were repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack after losing possession in midfield. The centre-back was organized and alert in his positioning and contributed meaningfully to limiting Egypt to a single goal despite the first-half defensive vulnerability that allowed Emam Ashour the space to strike from 20 yards. His composure on the ball and defensive intelligence make him a reliable option in Belgium's backline, and he will look to build on a solid debut as the Red Devils seek a stronger collective defensive performance against Iran.
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