Winning beginning for Belgium
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Article summary
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Belgium Faris Haroun's 86th-minute goal delights Group 6 hosts Belgium.
Article body
Faris Haroun's 86th-minute goal gave Belgium a winning start to their UEFA European Under-19 Championship second qualifying round Group 7 campaign.
Late winner
With Serbia and Montenegro having already gained a blistering 4-0 win against Norway in the early game at Knokke-Heist, Belgium knew they had to counter with victory to keep pace with the side they meet in the final set of matches on Sunday. However, it seemed Belgium, who last qualified in 2002, were heading for frustration until midfield player Haroun found the target in the nick of time.
Friday fixtures
Belgium now take on Norway on Friday, while the Irish face a tough task against Serbia and Montenegro after their disappointment today.