Group 2: Belgium polish off Poland
Saturday, November 23, 2002
Article summary
Belgium have pipped Poland to become the last team to reach the 2003 UEFA European Championship finals.
Article body
Belgium have become the last team through to the 2003 UEFA European Championship finals after edging out Poland in a thrilling mini-tournament.
Winner takes all
The Belgians topped Group 2 with three straight wins but their qualification for the finals in Italy hinged on a last match triumph against the Polish. Before the game, both teams had 100 per cent records meaning the winner would go through to Italy while the loser would be eliminated.
Hosts beaten
Belgium began brightly with a 7-3 victory against Moldova, while mini-tournament hosts Finland were well beaten, losing 5-0 to Poland. In the second round of matches, Poland polished off the Moldovans 8-1, showing the form that helped them reach the last eight of the 2001 tournament. However, Belgium were also on a roll and beat Finland 7-2.
Eight finalists known
That set up the decider, and what an encounter it was. In a match of free-flowing Futsal, Belgium finished on top with a 7-4 victory. It means they join hosts Italy, Spain, Russia, Slovenia, Portugal, Ukraine and the Czech Republic for the finals in Caserta between 17-24 February.
