Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The upcoming World Cup is an opportune time to consider Belgium’s prospects – and also the current state of the domestic game.
To take stock of this, I canvassed opinion at a top Belgian Pro League game at the weekend, between Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge.
The evening game on 22 October ended in a 2-2 draw between two clubs pushing the current league leaders.
USG recovered from a nightmare start, going behind in the first minute and then going down to ten men after a sending off (which also resulted in a 2nd goal from a penalty).
As ever, the atmosphere at the tightly packed ground on the Vorst-St Gilles border, was crackling with both sets of supporters arguably satisfied with a point at the end of a thrilling game.
USG are, for now, able to play all their remaining home games this season at home but plans are still very much in place for a move to a larger stadium nearby still on track.
Of course, Club Brugge are flying the flag for Belgian football this season with an excellent start to their Champions League campaign.
Club Bruges reached the Champions League knockout stage for the first time with a draw at Atletico Madrid.
The 18-time Belgian champions have failed to progress from the group stage in their previous 10 attempts but go through with an unbeaten record.
USG captured everyone’s imagination last year when they took the top flight by storm and even threatening to win the title at one stage.
As many expected this season has been harder, including an early exit (at the hands of Rangers) from their own Champions League adventure. But USG, despite limited resources compared with some, are still more than holding their own in the top division.
Saturday’s encounter was an entertaining match-up between two Belgian clubs that will supply some of the talent for the national side heading off soon to the Middle East for the annual four year football jamboree.
I spoke to some fans at the game, from both sides, to find out what they felt about Belgium’s prospects.
USG fan Xavier Eugene, from Uccle, said, “As Belgium fans, we are all filled with hope and expectations, as always, and I look forward to the World Cup.
“The 2018 World Cup remains fresh in my memory. It had lots of highs and lows: the dramatic comeback win against Japan, the historic defeat of Brazil and, of course, the shattering disappointment of that cruel semi-final defeat to France.”
Dirk Marteel, a Club Brugges supporter, told this site, “I still remember the amazing scenes as the fans welcomed the Red Devils back to Brussels. We have had a golden generation but they have not really delivered, have they? This really is the last chance for people like Hazard and De Bruyne.”
Silvia De Naeyer, a USG fan from Brussels, said, “I think we will do well this time. They realise it is the last opportunity for this team and, while the qualifying has not been so great, I still have faith in this group of players and the boss”.
Further comment came from Johan Van Cutsem, from Bruges, who commented, “I really fear for our chances and am not sure they (Belgium) will even go beyond the group stage. The manager should have been changed by now and I am not looking forward to much from Belgium”.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the UEFA Working Group on Human and Labour Rights met with a delegation from FIFA in Zurich on Wednesday 12 October.
Several key topics were addressed as part of the ongoing dialogue around developments in Qatar ahead of the World Cup.
These include the safety, security, and inclusion of fans, women, LGBTQI+ groups and individuals, journalists, and human rights defenders; the creation of a compensation fund for migrant workers; and the establishment of a migrant worker centre.
The Working Group asked FIFA to respond and commit to the outstanding issues regarding migrant workers by the end of October.
