Rediff.com > Sports > 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP 

  News
Features
Schedule
Teams
Results
History
Gallery
Contests
 
Belgium Belgium

 

Japan, Belgium in exciting 2-2 draw

Co-hosts Japan earned their first ever World Cup point when they held Belgium in a thrilling opening group H game.
Heartstopper! - Images from the match

Belgium is the first country to qualify for six successive World Cups; a record. Still, the country does not take its team or its fortunes seriously.

Qualifying campaign
D 0-0 Croatia (h)
W 4-0 Latvia (a)
W 10-1 San Marino (h)
D 2-2 Scotland (a)
W 3-1 Latvia (h)
W 4-1 San Marino (a)
W 2-0 Scotland (h)
L 0-1 Croatia (a)

Play-off
W 1-0 Cz Republic (h)
W 1-0 Cz Republic (a)

Perhaps, such pessimism is the result of Belgium's dour approach to the game. They are organised and hardworking without being spectacular. This time they have a relatively easy draw, pitted against Russia, Japan and Tunisia.


Goalkeepers:
Geert De Vlieger, Frederic Herpoel, Francky Vandendriessche.

Defenders:
Glen De Boeck, Eric Deflandre, Nico Van Kerckhoven, Daniel Van Buyten, Peter Van Der Heyden, Eric Van Meir, Jacky Peeters

Midfielders:
Bart Goor, Timmy Simons, Danny Boffin, Yves Vanderhaeghe, Gaetan Englebert, Bernd Thijs, Sven Vermant, Johan Walem, Gert Verheyen

Forwards:
Marc Wilmots, Wesley Sonck, Mbo Mpenza, Branko Strupar


Latest News


June 15, 2002

  • Belgians relish chance to play Brazil


  • June 14, 2002
  • Belgium make round 2 with late goals


  • June 10, 2002
  • Tunisia hold Belgium to throw open group


  • June 4, 2002
  • Japan, Belgium in exciting 2-2 draw

  • Japan wary of set pieces against Belgium

  • May 19, 2002
  • France bid fans farewell with a defeat

    May 17, 2002
  • France missing key players for Belgium friendly

  •  

     
    Feedback
      © 1996-2002 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.