Red Devils to miss World Cup, coach quits

10 October 2005

BRUSSELS — The Belgian national soccer team will miss out on next year’s World Cup in Germany, the first time the team has missed the prestigious championship since 1978.

Belgium was defeated 2-0 at home by Spain on Saturday, relegating it to watch from the sidelines next year.

In the aftermath, Belgian newspapers have raised questions about the team’s future, speculating on the possible successor to coach Aimé Anthuenis.

The Red Devils have dropped from 17th to 42nd on the FIFA world rankings under Anthuenis’ tenure, newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported.

It means that Belgium will not enjoy seeded status during the draw for the Euro 2008 qualification round in January.

Anthuenis said he will not stay on after his contract has expired in June 2006, Flemish broadcaster VRT reported.

French-language newspapers tip Marc Wilmots as his replacement, while the hot favourite among Flemish newspapers is René Vandereycken.

Subject: Belgian news