Looking Ahead: 2009 In Belgian Football

The Rode Duivels finished 2008 with a draw in an international friendly against Luxembourg. It was a very disappointing, frustrating, and angering (understatement) result. Prior to that fiasco, Belgium was having a nice journey in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying. Belgium tied Turkey 1-1 and just lost by one goal against Spain with a score of 1-2. Belgium is third in Group 5 with 7 points, just one behind Turkey. On March 3, 2009, Belgium will face Bosnia-Herzegovina for the Rode Duivels’ 5th match of the group stage qualifying. Before that match, the Belgians will play a friendly against Slovenia at home. After that match the schedule for next year, thus far, has more 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches including matches against Spain, Estonia, and Turkey. Belgium needs to get the better of Turkey, when they meet each other again, to help our chances for a spot in South Africa two years from now. Regarding our FIFA ranking, it slipped again in the November 8th rankings four spots to 55. I would like to see several things next year for the Rode Duivels: a better FIFA ranking, clinching a spot in the WC 2010, and a new coach. RenĂ© Vandereycken has been the coach for 3 years now. Our draw against Luxembourg only reinforces my view that it is time for him to go.
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Looking forward to Belgium vs Bosnia in March. Expect at least 10,000 Bosnians marching on your stadim. Good luck against Slovenia. We beat them 4:3 in Slovenia but they are dangerous. I think you have better defence than we so it will be hard for them to score. Hope you come to Bosnia for a rematch.