It’s annoying to hear comments in the English press about the Premiership being the best league in the world and the English fans being the most passionate etc etc. However, in one aspect of the beautiful game they are spot on. That’s when – and if – they say that the FA Cup has no equal. It’s true. In other European countries, the FA Cup has long been regarded as a mythical trophy, to be won on the hallowed turf of Wembley. As for their own cup competitions, many European countries look upon them as something that fills up the playing schedule.
That is certainly true in Belgium. The Belgian Cup has little interest for anyone, except when one of the big five looses touch in the league and sees the cup as a way to win a trophy and, more importantly, qualify for Europe. There is little appeal for the fans and the crowds are usually pitiful.
This year’s competition is no exception. With Genk, Anderlecht and Club Brugge already out, there’s interest in seeing if Standard Liege can use the fixtures as a way of getting back into form. Not that Ghent would object to winning twice in a row and Bob Peeters, Cercle Brugge, would love to dance around the Roi Baudouin stadium holding the trophy aloft. And he has a chance, as the remaining fixtures show.
Quarter Finals (to be played tonight):
Standard Liege KV Mechelen: Standard won the first leg 2-0 and play in Mechelen. With a midfield of Van Damme, Defour, Witsel and Carcela, they should be too strong for their opponents.
Germinal Beerschot Cercle Brugge: Cercle go to Antwerp with a two goal lead and it should be good enough. Reynaldo is proving to be an excellent loan signing from Anderlecht. Germinal Beerschot are, however, looking better with a change of coach and have even started scoring goals.
Ghent Woluwe White Star: Ghent won the away leg against third division opposition they play about three stops from my house on the tram. Ghent will have no problem.
Lierse Westerlo: Trond Sollied s Lierse won the away leg 2-1 and should wrap it up tonight.
Semi finals (assuming my predictions work out; as the draw has already been made)
Ghent Standard Liege
Lierse Cercle Brugge
So Bob Peeters Cercle Brugge could find themselves playing against one of Belgium s bigger clubs on May 21st. But I m going with Francky Drury s Ghent to make it two cups in a row.