Van Geersom aims for third time lucky
Monday, July 10, 2006
Article summary
Belgium's coach Marc Van Geersom is hopeful he can guide his team to the U19 semi-finals for the first time after two previous disappointments.
Article body
After failing to proceed from the group stage in each of his previous two UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals, Belgium coach Marc Van Geersom is targeting the last four in Poland.
'Extra drive'
"I was at the helm for the U18 tournament in Finland in 2001, [the U19 finals in] Norway in 2002 and then in Switzerland two years ago but we were never able to [reach the semi-finals]," said the 56-year-old, who is in his 18th season with the Belgian Football Association. "We've never been able to find that extra drive to get to the last four but that's the goal we've set for Poland." It will be no small task for the Belgians, however, after the finals draw placed Van Geersom's side in what looks to be a strong Group A.
Unknown quantity
Finalists at this season's UEFA European Under-17 Championship, the Czech Republic have benefited from a rich harvest of youngsters in recent years while Austria were hugely impressive in qualifying, conceding just three goals in six games. But it is hosts Poland - who triumphed in the last European U18 Championship in 2000/01 - who could provide the greatest threat, with home advantage often a notable boost in youth competitions. "You never can tell," said Van Geersom, whose side defeated the Poles 3-1 and then shared a goalless draw four months ago prior to progressing from an Elite round section that also included England, Serbia and Montenegro and Northern Ireland. "We played Poland twice in March but this time they're in front of a home crowd so it won't be easy."
Elite form
The omens are good for Belgium, who come into the tournament in fine fettle having finished top of an Elite round group that included two of last year's semi-finalists, England and Serbia and Montenegro. Having picked up four points from those two matches, a final-day victory against Northern Ireland sealed a berth in Poland and their coach is confident of continuing the success. "The level of quality increases every time," he said. "There are no weak teams. That's the case in the Elite round too though, so with a bit of luck we can reach the semi-finals this time." Having missed out twice already, Van Geersom must be hoping it is third time lucky.
