We would almost forget because of the Anderlecht fuss, but this weekend there was also football. Peter Vandenbempt paid attention to the sporting achievements of a few clubs: “Because there was also good football”, with Union’s strong revival against Club Brugge and Antwerp, which is throwing away its clear start after the home loss against Genk.
“Praise and at the same time also ears twitch for fans of Union”
When playing football, all credit went to Union and rightly so. 0-2 behind after fifteen minutes, 75 minutes with one man less against that stunt team of the Champions League and still come alongside. That is nothing short of formidable.
This was illustrated by the disappointed reactions from Club Brugge, which resembled reactions from a team that had lost, while in itself a draw at Union should be okay.
Club did nothing with its big advantage after fifteen minutes, there was no longer any urge to move forward. I had the impression that they thought: “We simply finish the game in class here”, but not all Club Brugge players can do that.
Coach Carl Hoefkens talked about a young team after the game and even nervousness, because they had the feeling that they could lose everything in that game, but I think that is only half an explanation.
Not all Club players can easily finish a match by class.
The great merit of Union is that it has seized the opportunities that Club simply gave. With the right approach and once again a good intervention by trainer Karel Geraerts, who keeps on scoring points.
A combination of the warrior mentality of Burgess and Teuma, often on the edge, and quality. It was another great evening at the Duden Park.
And Union fans have shown how an ex-player, in this case Casper Nielsen, can still be received with respect and without whistling. Although I must also pull their ears, because they treated every – right – decision of poor ref Kevin Van Damme to booing and a flute concert.
It’s a dog trade, being a referee, a bit like a trainer…
“The next 3 games will show whether Antwerp’s balance remains positive”
Racing Genk made a statement at the Bosuil at the closest attacker Antwerp. The contrast at Antwerp, which counts 6 points from the last 5 matches, with the start, 7 wins in a row, is great.
Coach Mark van Bommel is of course only too happy to add that to be able to say that the total balance after 14 games is very good and it is. But in sports, you are only as good as your last few achievements.
And 3 defeats in the last 5 games is just bad for Antwerp. When Antwerp took the victory in mediocre football, the coach and players recognized that they had to play better football. But in the end, the result is all that matters.
In sports, you are only as good as your last few achievements. Three defeats in 5 games. That is bad for Antwerp.
And what did Toby Alderweireld say yesterday? “Proud of the performance, defensively gave away almost nothing”, except for 3 goals against. He is right that they deserved more, Antwerp played really well for a long period after the break against also a very strong Genk.
Because Genk showed that it can fight well. And the fact that Antwerp was able to win this match just as well only makes the merit even greater. But the reality is 6 out of 15.
And just as it is not just a coincidence that you win nine times in a row, it is not just bad luck if you suddenly lose 3 out of 5. And with Charleroi, Anderlecht and Club Brugge there are still 3 matches that will show whether the balance of Antwerp will be more positive or negative halfway through.
Peter Vandenbempt
