Bram van Polen slams Mechele as Belgium's defensive weak link

Former PEC Zwolle and Vitesse forward Bram van Polen blasted Belgium defender Brandon Mechele after the Red Devils' 2-0 round‑of‑16 defeat to Senegal, describing the 33‑year‑old as “zo traag als dikke stront” and questioning his partnership with Arthur Theate in the match. Mechele seized his World Cup chance after Zeno Debast’s injury and became a regular in coach Rudi Garcia’s defence. The experienced Club Brugge player impressed against Egypt, Iran and New Zealand during the group stage. Against Senegal the opponents scored twice, exposing defensive frailties that now attract criticism. The loss prompted van Polen’s outspoken remarks.

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van Polen – who previously played for PEC Zwolle and Vitesse – was particularly harsh. “Die Mechele.. Die is echt zo traag als dikke stront. Bizar. Hij werd er een paar keer uitgelopen,” he said. Van Polen argued that the Mechele‑Theate partnership failed, pointing to Ismaïla Sarr’s second goal. “Die kwam uit de rug van Mechele, maar het stond voor geen meter. Theate stond misschien wel drie meter voor hem. Dan kun je als spits zo makkelijk de diepte zoeken. Ik vond ze echt heel matig centraal achterin bij België,” he added.

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Colleague Kees Kwakman offered a different perspective, saying he had expected Nathan Ngoy to start for Belgium. “Senegal heeft snelle aanvallers. Met Ngoy heb je dan iemand die ze nog kan bijhalen,” the analyst explained.