Buffel tipped for Belgium debut
Friday, October 4, 2002
Article summary
Thomas Buffel may gain his first Belgian cap after inclusion in the squad to face Andorra and Estonia.
Article body
Belgium coach Aimé Anthuenis has announced a 19-man squad for the upcoming EURO 2004™ qualifiers against Andorra and Estonia.
Buffel debut
Nick Van Kerckhoven and FC Schalke 04 striker Emile Mpenza have not made the squad as they are still struggling with the effects of long-term injuries suffered earlier in the year. Feyenoord's Thomas Buffel is likely to gain his debut in place of Mpenza after his impressive performances of late for the Dutch UEFA Cup holders.
De Cock called up
As a consequence of the 2-0 home defeat against Bulgaria in the first Group 8 qualifier, SBV Vitesse defender Stijn Vreven has been left out, Olivier De Cock and Celtic FC's Joos Valgaeren instead receive call-ups.
Tallinn trip
Andorra host Belgium on 12 October, with the game against Estonia - who drew 0-0 in Croatia in their opening fixture - being played in Tallinn four days later.
Belgium squad
De Vlieger, Herpoel, De Cock, Dheedene, Simons, Valgaeren, Van Buyten, Van der Heyden, Baseggio, Daerden, Vanderhaghe, Buffel, Englebert, Goor, Soetaers, Thijs, Mbo Mpenza, Peeters, Sonck.
