Nico Raskin’s Belgium Debut Offers Hope Despite Defeat to…

Nico Raskin’s Belgium Debut Offers Hope Despite Defeat to Ukraine

After finally earning a long-anticipated call-up to Belgium’s senior national team, Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin might have hoped for a more triumphant debut. Instead, the Red Devils suffered a disheartening 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League play-offs. While the result was far from ideal, Raskin’s introduction late in the match may still signal a promising step forward in his international journey. His inclusion wasn’t merely a fill-in role, but rather a result of shifting squad dynamics and a growing faith in his ability to perform at the highest level.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia, newly appointed after the exit of Domenico Tedesco, cited injuries—particularly those impacting Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana—as part of the reason behind Raskin’s elevation from the Under-21s. Onana’s fitness concerns opened the door, and Raskin seized the opportunity, coming off the bench in the 80th minute. By then, the match had already tilted in Ukraine’s favor, thanks to a flurry of second-half goals that overturned Belgium’s halftime lead. Still, the moment marked a personal milestone for the former Standard Liège and Anderlecht youth product.

The match itself was a tale of two halves. Belgium looked comfortable in the opening 45 minutes and even took the lead through veteran striker Romelu Lukaku. But the second half unraveled quickly, with Ukraine capitalizing on defensive lapses to score three goals in just 12 minutes. Garcia expressed disappointment in the mental and physical dip his side experienced, describing it as a collapse. Yet, he emphasized that this kind of setback can be a vital learning experience, particularly for younger players like Raskin who are still carving their place in the squad.

Looking ahead to the return leg, Belgium will need to reshuffle. Midfielder Youri Tielemans is suspended after picking up a yellow card, which potentially opens the door for Raskin to earn his first start. Garcia hinted at this possibility, noting that Raskin’s introduction in the first leg wasn’t simply symbolic—it was tactical. With Tielemans out and Onana not yet ready to return, the stage could be set for Raskin to step into a more prominent role alongside established stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard.

Raskin’s club form has certainly strengthened his case. He recently starred in Rangers’ 3-2 victory over Celtic, scoring one goal and assisting another. His performances in European competition against the likes of Fenerbahçe have also shown he can rise to high-stakes challenges. Known for his dynamism, resilience, and tenacity in midfield, Raskin has a chance not only to feature more regularly for Belgium but to become a key piece in a squad that’s evolving under new leadership. Whether or not he starts the next match, his debut already hints at bigger moments to come.