RETURN OF THE RED DEVILS To many soccer and sports fans, the term Red Devils refers to Manchester United. However, the Belgian National team is also known the same nickname. Popularly known within the country as Rode Duivels (Dutch), Diables Rogues (French) or Rote Teufel (German), the Belgians have given soccer lovers so many interesting moments. They have strong ties with the Netherlands, with whom they share a friendly yet passionate rivalry. The Royal Belgian Football Association was founded in 1895 and it is the oldest national team association in continental Europe. Despite starting early, they haven’t achieved the level of success to match their investment and commitment to the game. At best, they have been rated as a medium power in European football while their club sides aren’t considered as contenders for major continental honours. Belgium witnessed moderate success from 1980 to 2002. The Red Devils reached the Final of the European Championship in 1980 but lost to the superior Germans. They would go on to qualify for six consecutive FIFA World Cups from 1982 to 2002 with varying degrees of success. The highpoint of Belgium’s participation at the global showpiece was a 4th place finish at Mexico 1986. With the likes of Jan Ceulemans, Eric Gerets and Jean-Marie Pfaff, they gave a good account of themselves. They couldn’t replicate the same feat four years later in Italy but their talisman, Enzo Scifo was voted as the second best player at the tournament. Their last appearance at the World Cup finals was at Korea/Japan 2002 where they engaged Brazil in a thrilling second round match. It took a combination of Brazilian brilliance and some questionable officiating to knock out the Diable Rogues. The Brazil coach would later admit that the Belgians were the toughest opponents his team faced at the World Cup finals. Belgium would also go on the win the FIFA FairPlay Award. However, they have struggled ever since. A dearth of quality players and the widening financial gap between the major leagues in Europe, have contributed to poor performances in recent years but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The new generation of Belgians players are indeed some of the most talented on the planet. More importantly, they all play regularly for top European teams. In goal, Simon Mignolet (Liverpool) and Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid) are the form goalkeepers in Europe. Vincent Company (Manchester City), Thomas Vermalean (Arsenal), Van Buyten (Bayern Munich) and Jan Verthogen (Tottenham) are members of a formidable defence. The likes of Fellaini (Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham), Axel Witsel (Zenith) and Steven Defour (Porto) can hold their own against any midfield. Christian Benteke is arguably the most dominant forward in the Premiership and Romelu Lukaku has proved that he is a striker to reckon with. Belgium currently leads their qualification section ahead of Croatia, Scotland, Serbia and Wales. Barring any major upset, they should qualify as group winners. They have dominated a tough looking group with minimum ease. On current form, none of the major soccer nations would fancy a match against this talented side. Maybe the time has finally come for Belgium to fulfil its full potential on the biggest stage. Follow us on Twitter ………..@fansturf
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 02:56:15 +0000
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