The BBC recently predicted that Belgium would win the World Cup. One of the factors that prompted this argument was the efficiency of their defence. Presumably this was based on their record in the qualifiers: six goals conceded in 10 games. Over half of those games were against opposition such as Estonia, Cyprus and Gibraltar.… Read More »
The Belgian media was united in its praise for the team’s performance last night against Costa Rica. It was seen as the ideal send-off for Russia and there was universal approval for captain Eden Hazard’s display of his talents. His main lieutenants were Romelu Lukaku (two goals and an assist), the hard-working Kevin De Bruyne… Read More »
The Belgian press on both sides of the language divide were not impressed by the teams’ performance last night but the criticism was tempered by arguments that this was only a friendly and the World Cup was not due to start yet. Vincent Kompany’s injury overshadowed events with confirmation of the extent of the injury… Read More »
When Roberto Martinez opened his press conference earlier today, he could have said, ‘The players who got us to Russia have done a great job but as a country we are lucky enough to have one of the game’s top midfielders who didn’t participate much in the qualifiers. Radja Nainggolan can come into the squad… Read More »
Martinez is here to stay Just before midnight on Thursday, the Belgian FA made – i.e. leaked – a shock announcement. Roberto Martinez would be extending his stay as coach of the Belgian team for a further two years. They’d previously said they would evaluate his performance only once the Russian dust had settled. Martinez… Read More »
Tonight, all eight games in the JPL kick off at the same time: 20.00. Four teams – Club Brugge, Charleroi, Anderlecht and Gent – have confirmed their places but the remaining two positions are up for grabs. Kortrijk had a great chance to move into pole position last week but lost by a late goal… Read More »
Last night, Racing Genk defeated Royal Antwerp 4-0. The visitors widely criticised for physical play and questionable tactics. They were down to 10 men by half time. **************************************************** Just three games to go in the JPL classic season and Playoff qualification is going to the wire. Three teams – Club Brugge, Charleroi and Anderlecht –… Read More »
With just four games remaining in the JPL classic league, the front-runners are all faltering. Leaders Club Brugge looked a class above the rest prior to the winter break but they have only taken six points from their last five matches. Closest to them are Charleroi and Anderlecht and those two have identical form to… Read More »
Early this morning, Het Nieuwsblad revealed that Anderlecht had a loss of 42 million euros in the last financial year. The reasons given are that players’ salaries have risen too high and fees to agents have gone through the roof. It is also stated that Anderlecht have not made a profit since 2006-07. These are… Read More »
The Jupiler Pro League playoff system has been the subject of much criticism in the past decade, especially the decision to halve points gained in the Classic Season before the Playoffs begin. This season though, with the Playoffs starting in mid-March, the infamous format promises to deliver more tension than usual. Club Brugge might be… Read More »