Anderlecht against Standard, that is a tough and bitter rivalry. However, this is hardly noticeable when you see Anderlecht goalkeeper Justien Odeurs and Standard attacker Davinia Vanmechelen sitting comfortably next to each other.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, don’t we,” says Odeurs. “We played together for a long time and drove to the national team together. There is rivalry, but mainly friendly rivalry.”
For Anderlecht it has been since 2013 that they were able to win the cup again. They lost their last two finals, the RSCA women have 10 cups.
“Just like the men of Anderlecht, they have a hard time in the cup”, Vanmechelen grins. “Hopefully it stays that way this weekend, because we (Standard, ed.) are the underdog after all.” Standard won its 8th and last cup in 2018, after winning 2-0 against Genk.
“A cup final is always difficult to judge”, Odeurs nuances. “It is one game in which everything is possible. Standard is a team that can fully recharge and must have strength and eagerness. That is a characteristic that many teams have a hard time with.”
Women’s football continues to gain popularity. “I don’t think that’s more than normal,” says Odeurs. “Women’s football is simply an item on the agenda. It is up to us to make it a great game.”
Finally, the 2 players can both put their dream scenario on the table for tonight’s match.
“I sign for the same result as our won match against Anderlecht this season,” said Vanmechelen. “Win 1-0 and a goal in the last minute.”
“You can score in the last official minute, then we will score in extra time and we will make it with penalties,” Odeurs said.
