Brussels (AFP)

Belgium, with a base eleven largely changed from the two previous meetings, healed their goal difference by crushing Belarus 8-0 in qualifying for the World-2022, Tuesday night in Leuven (center).

This great success allows Jan Verthongen's teammates to take the lead in Group E on their own after their victory against Wales (3-1) last Wednesday and the split in the Czech Republic (1-1) on Saturday.

With 7 points, Belgium is ahead of the Czechs (4 points) beaten Tuesday in Wales (3 points).

No Courtois, De Bruyne, Tielemans or Lukaku at kick-off.

The coach Roberto Martinez had decided to largely rotate his workforce by establishing Simon Mignolet, (in goals) and an unprecedented attack made up of Leandro Trossard (Brighton), Jérémy Doku (Rennes) and Mitchy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace);

a trio supported by Hans Vanaken, established in place of Kevin De Bruyne.

"The schedule is busy. I needed freshness and to spare some players, especially in offensive positions," said Martinez.

The course of the match proved him right, the Belgians opening the scoring in the 14th minute.

Well served by Doku, Batshuayi found the ceiling of Aleksandr Gutor's goal with a nice shot from the left.

A 14th goal for the former Marseille player in his last 14 matches for the national teams.

Not bad for a player who plays very little in a club where his compatriot Christian Benteke is preferred to him in N.9 at Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils doubled the bet three minutes later: Bruges' Hans Vanaken perfectly took over a cross from Thomas Meunier.

Leandro Trossard changed the score to 3-0 shortly before the break with a harsh shot into the top corner of the Belarusian goal.

And the Belgian festival continued with Jérémy Doku who scored his first goal in the selection (4-0) in the 42nd.

First selection goal also for Dennis Praet (5-0, 49th).

The 6-0 was signed Christian Benteke with a superb volley (70) before Trossard scored his second goal of the evening (76th).

And for the party to be total, Vanaken was also going for his double (89), fixing the score of the 80th victory of the Red Devils in qualifying matches for a World Cup.

© 2021 AFP