Old guard await Belgium opener
Monday, August 7, 2006
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Belgium coach René Vandereycken has stuck with time-served talents in his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A opener against Kazakhstan in Brussels.
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Belgium coach René Vandereycken has stuck with time-served talents in his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A opener against Kazakhstan in Brussels on 16 August.
Match fitness
"The selection is partly based on the quality of the players and partly on whether they have found their rhythm yet," he said. "The latter will become more important when the season is under way." Vandereycken's 20-man selection will be reduced to 18 with the removal of a goalkeeper and an outfield player.
Belgium squad
Goalkeepers: Stijn Stijnen (Club Brugge KV), Geert De Vlieger (SV Zulte Waregem), Davy Schollen (RSC Anderlecht).
Defenders: Carl Hoefkens (Stoke City FC), Timmy Simons (PSV Eindhoven), Vincent Kompany (Hamburger SV), Gill Swerts (BV Vitesse), Daniel Van Buyten (FC Bayern München), Jelle Van Damme (RSC Anderlecht), Anthony Vanden Borre (RSC Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (AFC Ajax).
Midfielders: Karel Geraerts (R. Standard de Liège), Bart Goor (RSC Anderlecht), Koen Daerden (Club Brugge KV), Steven Defour (R. Standard de Liège), Thomas Buffel (Rangers FC).
Forwards: Moussa Dembele (AZ Alkmaar), Stein Huysegems (Feyenoord), Luigi Pieroni (AJ Auxerre), Kevin Vandenbergh (KRC Genk).
