After the large 19-0 win over Armenia, the Red Flames did not fall into overconfidence four days later. Aware of the stake of this sixth meeting in these qualifications for the 2023 World Cup, the Belgians of Ives Serneels were serious, focused.
They especially held their rank against a team of their level like what they had done a year ago almost to the day against Switzerland, winning 4-0 and validating their ticket for the Euro in England after their defeat in Switzerland. This time, the qualification is not (yet?) Acquired but the victory allows the Belgians to regain their second place in the wake of an almost untouchable Norway in the lead and to keep a minimum of interest in this group F.
A collective in the face of resentment
In this almost decisive game (there are still four games left including Norway’s reception in September) to make sure they play in the play-offs in a year, Belgium let Poland take the initiative. Much more aggressive in the duels, the Poles took possession of the ball on their own before the Belgian block gained the upper hand little by little.
And this is where Belgium managed to regain control in this match: thanks to its collective. With an intractable defense, and an imperial Evrard on its only three interventions, the group quickly restarted its transitions and forward combinations by surprising the defenders of Poland several times with judicious calls behind their backs like Biesmans on the goal of Eurlings in particular. With a smoother game, the Red Flames gained the upper hand over a more aggressive team which had only had a few highlights without ever worrying the Belgian fans.
With this new victory, the sixth of the year in twelve matches, Belgium ended 2021 on a very good note, almost throwing the division in Poland into oblivion in the inaugural match of this qualifying campaign.
Before their city trip to the Balkans in April for the 7th and 8th qualifying matches, the Flames will meet in February. The group must normally follow an internship in Spain. Both the location and the name of the opponents have yet to be confirmed.
3 Flames under the microscope
Tysiak 8
The OHL defender has definitely become the patron saint of the Red Flames. Arriving since this year in selection, the Limburgoise has shown itself to be imperial. Authoritarian head, well placed, clean raises: it prevented Poland from worrying Evrard.
Catch Heluwe 7
The Brugeoise has chained a 5th start in a row, she who was used to playing the understudy of Laura Deloose, the Anderlechtoise. Author of several assists against Armenia, Jody once again distinguished herself by surveying her flank, cutting off Polish offensive tendencies and bringing her presence into the offensive animation. She has more than taken her place in the black-yellow-red base eleven.
Eurling’s 8
Confirmed in the base eleven after her very good match against Armenia, Hannah Eurlings once again brought all her technique, her vision, her speed and her opportunism to this important match. Its presence in the offensive animation was again formidable. Sometimes wandered around in the opposing defense, sometimes playing it too personal at times.
