LUKAKU INJURY PUTS FOCUS ON OPENDA

Lois Openda is a relative newcomer to the Belgium squad after debuting in June but after impressive form in Ligue 1 this season, the Lens striker could play a greater role at the World Cup than he might have imagined a few months ago. The injury cloud that hangs over striker Romelu Lukaku is likely to result in him missing most of the group stage. “It is a real honour to be part of the 26 selected. I did my best to show myself this season,” Openda told reporters at Belgium’s training base in Kuwait. “When I learned of my selection, I was on the training ground with my club. After that, I immediately called my family. It’s a childhood dream come true.”