A week after the Red Devils, a national team played football in Leuven. This time with an audience. Thanks to some Spanish Erasmus students, a few ‘olés’ even rolled off the couch in Leuven before half time. The visitors were lord and master before half time. Spain not only showed itself technically better than the Young Devils, but also won almost all matches. The Belgian promises were constantly pushed back against their own goal by the Spanish high pressure and barely managed to achieve it themselves. The Spaniards just forgot to convert their dominance into goals. Barcelona talent Fermin Lopez came closest with a good shot.
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The Young Devils had exactly one chance before halftime. Not coincidentally via Malick Fofana. The young Buffalo had a difficult time, just like all other Belgians, but showed flashes of his talent at times. Halfway through the first half, he cleverly eliminated his opponent on the right. The shot that followed just went over.
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Other Belgium after the break
The Spaniards remained in charge after the break, but the Belgians came out more often now. Successfully. After a counter on the right, Hugo Siquet was pushed in the back inside the box. Penalty kick, much to the frustration of the Spaniards. Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels got behind the ball and kicked in flawlessly.
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A victory seemed to be in the making, but the Young Devils could not enjoy their lead for long. Less than four minutes after the opening goal, substitute Omorodion leveled the score again.
However, the Belgian promises were not deterred. Instead of securing the draw, they went all out in search of victory. Good substitute Kazeem Olaigbe created a few very good opportunities, but his place balls always went just wide. Unfortunately. However, the different face that the Young Devils showed after the break deserves praise.
Belgium is the first country to manage to steal points from Spain during this European Championship qualifying campaign. Unfortunately, the Young Devils themselves will not gain much from a draw. After the one in six against Scotland (0-2) and the Spaniards, they are only third in their group and only the first two have a chance of qualifying for the 2025 European Championship. There is work to be done against Malta in March.
Belgium: Vandevoordt, De Winter, Spileers, Siquet, Sardella, Kana, Matazo, Engels, Oyen (46′ Olaigbe), Fofana (64′ Stroeykens), Sylla (64′ Stassin)
Goals: 64’ Engels, 67’ Omorodion
National coach Gill Swerts: “I think we can say that our plan worked”
“I have mixed feelings here,” said national coach Gill Swerts after the Jong Duivels’ 1-1 against Spain. “I’m happy that we got a point against a team that was still undefeated, but on the other hand I also had the feeling that there was more to it. We have to be honest: before halftime they were in charge. But after rest they were tired and we were increasingly successful in using the spaces in their backs. Too bad we didn’t manage to score a second goal. Although I think we can say that our plan worked.”
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