Kompany the man for Belgium
Friday, October 3, 2003
Article summary
Belgium have called up 17-year-old Vincent Kompany for the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Estonia.
Article body
Impressive form
The RSC Anderlecht defender has been a revelation in domestic and UEFA Champions League matches this season, keeping former club captain Glen De Boeck on the bench. National coach Aimé Anthuenis had no qualms about his selection despite the importance of the game in Liège on 11 October.
Roussel back
Also included are R. Standard de Liège attacker Emile Mpenza and KRC Genk forward Cedric Roussel. However, Joos Valgaeren, Sandy Martens and Stein Huysegems are all missing, with the first two injured and the latter out of favour.
Must-win game
Belgium, third in Group 8, are hoping to clinch a spot in the play-offs for Portugal, but will be denied regardless of their result if second-placed Croatia beat group winners Bulgaria on the same day. The Belgians are level on 13 points with the Croatians but have an inferior head-to-head record.
Belgium squad
De Vlieger, Herpoel, Deflandere, Deschacht, Simons, Van Buyten, Van Damme, Doll, Kompany, Vanderheyden, Clement, Baseggio, Englebert, Goor, Walasiak, Soetaers, M Mpenza, Buffel, Sonck, Emile Mpenza, Roussel.
