The young foals of national coach Gill Swerts were somewhat knocked off the European Championship course by Scotland last Friday. They were able to prove against Spain that this was an accident de parcours.
Spain has been a reference for youth teams for decades. Last summer, the Spaniards played the final of the European Championship for U23s, which they lost against England.
Goalkeeper Vandevoordt was given quite a bit of work, although the young Devils also regularly responded. Fofana almost scored after an unprecedented dribble.
In the 2nd half a stunt lurked around the corner, when Siquet eagerly lay down after a push in the box and Arne Engels converted the penalty with a calm roller.
The joy was short-lived as Samu Omorodion, who had recently come on, quickly equalized. Maarten Vandevoordt can count himself lucky that the cameras just stopped during that goal, because the Genk goalie didn’t look too good.
Both countries still had chances, including a very good one for the Belgians, but national coach Swerts can be satisfied with a draw, especially because competitor Scotland was stuck with a draw in Hungary.
Gill Swerts knew that his players would suffer at times against this Spain, but also that opportunities would come. Both predictions came true. “This is a team that can hurt you. They made us run behind the ball in the first half.”
“But in the second half we were able to push them back. That quick equalizer is the only blemish on the match. Afterwards it could have gone either way.”
