Thys legacy lingers

Glory years
The cigar-smoking coach died on Friday at the age of 80 after a long battle against cancer. Thys's finest achievements came in 1980, when he took Belgium to the UEFA European Championship final, and in 1986, when he guided the Red Devils to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.

Always calm
The trainer, who lived in Wilrijk near Antwerp, was renowned for his ability to stay calm under pressure. Despite giving up smoking in his later years, the image of him calmly puffing on a cigar regardless of any unfolding drama will always linger.

Two decades
The son of Ivan Thys, who scored seven goals in 20 internationals, he seemed destined for a life in football. He began his professional career in 1939 and won two caps for his country in a 20-year playing career. In 1954, he was appointed player-coach of Cercle Brugge KSV, but the highlight of his club coaching career came in 1974 and 75 when he took R. Antwerp FC to second place in the championship.

Final defeat
In 1976, Belgium came calling with Thys replacing Raymond Goethals. After spending his first years in charge developing a young side, Thys surpassed expectations in 1980 by leading Belgium to the final of the European Championship in Italy, where they lost 2-1 to West Germany.

Mexico magic
The best, however, was yet to come. Six years later in Mexico, a Belgian team including Enzo Scifo, Jan Ceulemans and Jean-Marie Pfaff surprised the pundits by reaching the last four of the World Cup, claiming a famous 4-3 victory against the Soviet Union along the way, before being eliminated by eventual champions Argentina.

Record breaker
In total, Thys led Belgium in 114 internationals - a national record, winning 49, drawing 28 and losing 37. His first spell in office ended in June 1989. Following a six-month break, he returned to the post in February 1990 after the dismissal of Walter Meeuws before leaving for good in May 1991.

Gerets tribute
Thys remained active right up to his death, working in a promotional capacity for the Belgian Football Association (KBVB) and with coaching schools. "I am in shock," said former Belgium defender and current 1. FC Kaiserslautern coach Eric Gerets. "The 1980 European Championship will always be on my mind."

Huge shock
KBVB president Jan Peeters added: "To the outside world, he was always the calm man with the glass of whisky and cigar, but he had a very strong character." Another former Belgium star Scifo was also quick to pay tribute: "This is a huge shock. I do not think you will find anyone with a bad word to say about him."

Rare moment
Former goalkeeper Pfaff was another with only kind words for the unflappable Thys. "He could get the best out of every player at the right moment. That was his strength. Only after our win against the Soviet Union in 1986 did he, for a moment, get out of his role. He came running on to the pitch and jumped into my arms. I had never seen Guy like that."

Lasting legacy
Thys, who leaves his wife Christiane after his only daughter from his first marriage died in 1997, will live on in the hearts and minds of Belgian soccer.