“Firstly, I never promised nothing to nobody, secondly I never voted for Russia, and third I never received fine Russian art. I hope it is still in my attic. If I hang it on the wall in myhouse, I think I will have a divorce.” — Belgian Michel D’Hooghe, a longtime member of theFIFA executive […]
belgium
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Belgium's Mertens OK After Paralysis Scare
Belgium’s team doctor revealed that Dries Mertens should be fit for Napoli’s game with Cagliari this weekend, despite the winger being stretchered off during the RedDevils’ 0-0 draw with Wales on Sunday. Mertens was knocked unconscious after clashing heads with George Williams during the Euro 2016 qualifier, and, according to Dr. Kris van Crombrugge,the player […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Wenger: 'We Were Very, Very Poor'
Arsene Wenger was furious at his players for throwing away a three-goal lead as Arsenal drew 3-3 against Anderlecht in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. The Frenchman stormed down thetunnel at the fulltime whistle knowing that the result makes it virtually impossible for the Gunners to top their group, particularly after Borussia Dortmund dispatched […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Kljestan and Boyd get first goals
[AMERICANS ABROAD] Sacha Kljestan, whose short-term move to MLS over the summer was thwarted, finally got his first startof the 2014-15 Pro League season for Belgian champion Anderlecht, and he scored the decisive goal in its 3-2 win over Kortrijk, his first goal in eight months. Kljestan was lost hisstarting job just as Anderlecht rallied […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
What They're Saying: Barack Obama
“As Americans, we’re always grateful for the partnership with our Belgian allies. Except on the pitch. See you in 2018.” — President BarackObama in a note to Elio Di Rupo that accompanied the shipment of a case of Sam Adams, returning the favor of the Belgian prime minister, who sent somecrates of Belgian beers to […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Diskerud's Rosenborg falls off pace
[AMERICANS ABROAD] Mix Diskerud‘s Rosenborg dropped a 3-1 decision at first-place Molde, falling 12 points behind theleader and into fourth place with 13 games to play in Norway’s Tippeligaen. Sacha Kljestan came off the bench late in three-time defending Belgian championAnderlecht’s 3-1 opening-day win over Mouscron-Peruwelz. SATURDAY. Joe Corona got his first start of the […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Report: 2014 World Cup Most Streamed Event Ever
The 2014 FIFA World Cup isn’t over yet, but it’s already the most streamed event in history, according to content delivery network provider Akamai, as soccer fans watch games online ingreater numbers than ever before. In the U.S. alone, a record-breaking 5.3 million unique viewers tuned in to Watch ESPN and Univision for the USA’s […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Wilmots Blasts 'Ordinary' Argentina
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots sounded bitter after his team’s 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday. The Red Devils conceded an early goal to GonzaloHiguain and were unable to respond, despite numerous chances to add to the scoreline for both sides. After the game, Wilmots described Argentina as an “ordinary team” […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Argentina overcomes an important hurdle
By Paul Kennedy (@pkedit) Urged on by thousands of Argentines who made their way to Brasilia, Lionel Messi and Co., disposed of Belgium, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon to move into the semifinals of the World Cup. Argentina needed someone other than Messi to come through as he has now gone eight straight games withoutscoring against […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Ranking the eight World Cup quarterfinalists
By Paul Kennedy (@pkedit) Four quarterfinalists are former World Cup champions: Brazil (five times),Germany (three times), Argentina (twice) and France (once). The Netherlands has been runner-up three times, most recently in 2010. Belgium has been to the final four only once, while Colombia andCosta Rica have never been this far in the competition. Here’s how […]