Belgium will head to Qatar off the back of two straight defeats after their defensive frailties were punished by Egypt.
Belgium’s final warm-up match before the World Cup ended in defeat as Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet struck to earn Egypt a 2-1 victory in Kuwait.
Mohamed capitalized on an uncharacteristic mistake by Kevin De Bruyne to fire the Pharaohs into the lead before Trezeguet scored a minute after half-time to put them two goals up.
Lois Openda reduced the deficit with a close-range finish but was unable to find an equalizer as Roberto Martinez’s side fell for the second time in a row.
The defeat exposed serious flaws in Belgium’s defense ahead of their trip to Qatar, where they hope to improve their progress to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Belgium hit the post inside 10 minutes when Michy Batshuayi rattled the woodwork, although replays later showed the former Chelsea man was clearly offside.
After Thibaut Courtois twice denied Trezeguet, Arthur Theate sent a long-range looper into the top of the net.
Mohamed gave Egypt the lead when he took advantage of De Bruyne’s poor touch before curling a beautiful shot into the bottom right corner from outside the box.
Mohamed El Shenawy then made a big stop to save Yannick Carrasco’s wild drive and keep his side’s lead heading into the break.
Egypt doubled their lead after the break, Trezeguet latching on to Mohamed Salah’s excellent through ball before slotting home as Belgium still looked shaky at the back.
Martinez’s men had a shout for a penalty when half-time substitute Openda was brought down by Ahmed Hegazy, but a VAR review decided not to award a free-kick.
Belgium tried to pull a goal back but struggled to break down Egypt’s resolute defence, with Youri Tielemans firing over from distance almost out of frustration.
Although they found a goal through Openda when Carrasco’s great cross caught it, they were unable to kick and find an equaliser.
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