Belgian newcomers come good
Thursday, May 11, 2006
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Saudi Arabia 1-2 Belgium An inexperienced Belgian side took confidence from a friendly victory against FIFA World Cup finalists Saudi Arabia.
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René Vandereycken's Belgium earned a 2-1 win against FIFA World Cup finalists Saudi Arabia in a friendly game in the Dutch city of Sittard.
Uncapped players
The national team coach took the opportunity to field nine uncapped players as he assessed his options ahead of Belgium's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign and one of them had a dream debut, with FC Utrecht midfielder Tom Caluwé opening the scoring in the third minute after beating two defenders and sliding the ball into the net.
Goor own goal
Veteran Bart Goor had a less happy evening as he headed a 35th-minute free-kick from Saudi Arabia's Nawaf Al Temyat into his own net to restore parity, but Belgium were not to be denied. Ten minutes into the second half, Kevin Vandenbergh's subtle back-heel set up Anthony Vanden Borre to score what proved to be Belgium's winner.