“An exciting and interesting group.” That is the verdict of Peter Vandenbempt about World Cup opponents Croatia, Canada and Morocco.
“Those are not superfluous practice matches, but three strong opponents who also have a link with Belgium. I’m thinking Morocco, for example – this is fantastic for their community in our country.”
“And Croatia is always said to be on their way back, but they are still a very good team. Canada is again “The Next Best Thing”. An enthusiastic and young team including Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan.”
“The national coach said afterwards: Belgium will have to be good from the start. That’s completely right. Walking through the group stage on autopilot will not work. We’ll be well rotted when a tough chunk arrives.”
It already seems a certainty in the 1/8th finals that that tough chunk will come. If the Devils push through, Spain or Germany may be waiting. “Belgium is without a doubt in the toughest half of the table,” said Vandenbempt. “Spain or Germany… Those are already very tough in the next round. And then possibly Brazil or Portugal in the quarterfinals. So the road is steeply uphill for the Red Devils.”
An advantage: our national team will not start the World Cup until November 23. So the national coach gets the preparation time he wanted. “That’s better than starting the Netherlands on the first day,” says Vandenbempt. “It will be a grueling world championship. Then extra days are an undeniable advantage.”
