Belgium national football team

The Belgian national football team[lower-alpha 3] officially represents Belgium in men's international football since their maiden match in 1904. The squad is under the global jurisdiction of FIFA and is governed in Europe by UEFA—both of which were co-founded by the Belgian team's supervising body, the Royal Belgian Football Association. Periods of regular Belgian representation at the highest international level, from 1920 to 1938, from 1982 to 2002 and again from 2014 onwards, have alternated with mostly unsuccessful qualification rounds. Most of Belgium's home matches are played at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

Belgium
Nickname(s)De Rode Duivels
Les Diables Rouges
Die Roten Teufel
(The Red Devils)
AssociationRoyal Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA/KBFV)[lower-alpha 1]
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachRoberto Martínez
CaptainEden Hazard
Most capsJan Vertonghen (123)[lower-alpha 2]
Top scorerRomelu Lukaku (57)[lower-alpha 2]
Home stadiumVarious
FIFA codeBEL
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 1 (10 December 2020)[6]
Highest1 (November 2015 – March 2016, September 2018 – present[6])
Lowest71 (June 2007[6])
First international
 Belgium 3–3 France 
(Uccle, Belgium; 1 May 1904)
Biggest win
 Belgium 9–0 Zambia 
(Brussels, Belgium; 4 June 1994)
 Belgium 10–1 San Marino 
(Brussels, Belgium; 28 February 2001)
 Belgium 9–0 Gibraltar 
(Liège, Belgium; 31 August 2017)
 Belgium 9–0 San Marino 
(Brussels, Belgium; 10 October 2019)
Biggest defeat
 England Amateurs 11–2 Belgium 
(London, England; 17 April 1909)
World Cup
Appearances13 (first in 1930)
Best resultThird place (2018)
European Championship
Appearances6 (first in 1972)
Best resultRunners-up (1980)

Belgium's national team have participated in three quadrennial major football competitions. It appeared in the end stages of thirteen FIFA World Cups and five UEFA European Championships, and featured at three Olympic football tournaments, including the 1920 Olympic tournament which they won. Other notable performances are victories over four reigning world champions—West Germany, Brazil, Argentina and France—between 1954 and 2002. Belgium has long-standing football rivalries with its Dutch and French counterparts, having played both teams nearly every year from 1905 to 1967. The squad has been known as the Red Devils since 1906; its fan club is named "1895".

During the national player career of forward Paul Van Himst, the most-praised Belgian footballer of the 20th century, Belgium took third place at UEFA Euro 1972. After that, they experienced two golden ages with many gifted players. In the first period, which lasted from the 1980s to the early 1990s, the team finished as runners-up at UEFA Euro 1980 and fourth in the 1986 World Cup. In the second, under guidance of Marc Wilmots and later Roberto Martínez in the 2010s, Belgium topped the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in November 2015 and finished third at the 2018 World Cup.

History

Belgium was one of the first mainland European countries to play association football.[7] Its practice in Belgium began on 26 October 1863, after an Irish student walked into the Josephites College of Melle with a leather ball.[8] Initially an elitist pastime,[9] during the following decades association football supplanted rugby as Belgium's most popular football sport.[10] On 1 September 1895, ten clubs for football, athletics, cricket and cycling founded the Belgian sports board Union Belge des Sociétés de Sports Athlétiques (UBSSA);[10][11] a year later UBSSA organised the first annual league in Belgian football.[10]

The first Belgium A-squad in 1901 featured four Englishmen.

On 11 October 1900, Beerschot AC honorary president Jorge Díaz announced that Antwerp would host a series of challenge matches between Europe's best football teams.[12] After some organisational problems, on 28 April 1901, Beerschot's pitch hosted its first tournament, in which a Belgian A-squad and a Dutch B-team contested the Coupe Vanden Abeele.[13][14] Belgium won,[15] and beat the Netherlands in all three follow-up matches;[16] FIFA does not recognise these results because Belgium fielded some English players.[16] On 1 May 1904, the Belgians played their first official match, against France at the Stade du Vivier d'Oie in Uccle; their draw left the Évence Coppée Trophy unclaimed.[17] Twenty days later, the football boards of both countries were among the seven FIFA founders.[18][19] At that time, the Belgian squad was chosen by a committee drawn from the country's six or seven major clubs.[20] In 1906, the national team players received the nickname Red Devils because of their red jerseys,[21] and four years later, Scottish ex-footballer William Maxwell replaced the UBSSA committee as their manager.[22] From 1912, UBSSA governed football only and was renamed UBSFA.[lower-alpha 4][1][10] During the Great War, the national team only played unrecognised friendlies, with matches in and against France.[23][24]

At the 1920 Summer Olympics, in their first official Olympic appearance, the Red Devils won the gold medal on home soil after a controversial final in which their Czechoslovak opponents left the pitch.[25] In the three 1920s Summer Olympics, they achieved fair results (four wins in seven matches), and played their first intercontinental match, against Argentina.[23] However, over the following decade, Belgium lost all of their matches at the first three FIFA World Cup final tournaments.[23] According to historian Richard Henshaw, "[t]he growth of [football] in Scandinavia, Central Europe, and South America left Belgium far behind".[26] Although World War II hindered international football events in the 1940s, the Belgian team remained active with unofficial matches against squads of other allied nations.[27]

In the 1920 Olympic football final at the Olympisch Stadion in Antwerp, Robert Coppée scored for Belgium with a penalty kick.

Belgium qualified for only one of eight major tournaments during the 1950s and the 1960s: the 1954 World Cup. The day before the tournament began, the RBFA was among the three UEFA founders.[28] Dutch journalists considered the draw of the 1954 Belgian team in their opener against England to be the most surprising result of that match day, even more than Switzerland's victory over the Italian "football stars".[29] However, Belgium were eliminated after a loss to Italy in the second (and last) group match.[30] Two bright spots in these decades were wins against World Cup holders: West Germany in 1954, and Brazil in 1963.[23] Between these, Belgium defeated Hungary's Golden Team in 1956.[23] The combination of failure in competitive matches, and success in exhibition matches, gave the Belgians the mock title of "world champion of the friendlies".[31][32]

The team's performance improved during the early 1970s, under manager Raymond Goethals. Fully dressed in white, as the White Devils,[33] Belgium had their first victories at World and European Championships at the 1970 World Cup and Euro 1972.[34][35] En route to that Euro appearance, their first, they eliminated reigning European champions Italy by winning the two-legged quarter-final on aggregate. At the end stage, they finished third by winning the consolation match against Hungary.[35] In 1973, the denial of a match-winning goal in their last 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification match for UEFA Group 3 cost Belgium their appearance at the finals,[36] causing Belgium to become the only nation ever to miss a World Cup final round despite not allowing a goal during the qualifiers.[37] The next two attempts to reach a major finals were also fruitless.[38][39]

Beginning with a second-place finish at Euro 1980,[40] the 1980s and the early 1990s are generally considered as Belgium's first golden age.[41] Coached by Guy Thys, they achieved their spot in the 1980 final with an unbeaten record in the group phase; in the final, they narrowly lost the title to West Germany with the score 1–2.[40] Starting with the 1982 World Cup, and ending with the 2002 World Cup, the national team qualified for six consecutive World Cup end stages and mostly progressed to the second round.[42] During this period, managers Guy Thys, Paul Van Himst and Robert Waseige each guided a Belgian selection past the first round.[43][44][45] In addition to receiving individual FIFA recognitions,[46][47] the team reached the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup.[48] After reaching the Euro 1980 final, they were unsuccessful at subsequent European Championships, with early exits from their appearances in 1984 and in 2000.[49][50] During the late 1990s, they played three friendly tournaments in Morocco, Cyprus and Japan,[51][52] sharing the 1999 Kirin Cup with Peru in the latter.[53] The greatest talents of the Belgian team during this golden age were retired from international football by 2000.[54] At the eve of the World Cup in 2002, Belgium defeated reigning world and European champions France.[23] During that World Cup, Belgium defeated Russia and tied with co-hosts Japan and Tunisia to reach the round of 16.[45]

Belgium (in red) playing Algeria at the Mineirão at the 2014 World Cup

After the 2002 World Cup, the team weakened with the loss of more veterans and coach Waseige.[55][56] They missed out five successive major finals from UEFA Euro 2004 until UEFA Euro 2012, and went through an equal number of head coaches.[57] A 2005 win over reigning European champions Greece meant nothing but a small comfort.[23] In between, a promising new generation was maturing at the 2007 European U-21 Championship; Belgium's squad qualified for the following year's Summer Olympics in Beijing,[58] where the Young Red Devils squad finished fourth.[59] Seventeen of them appeared in the senior national team,[54] albeit without making an immediate impact. Belgium finished in second (and last) place at the Kirin Cup in May 2009,[60] and lost against the 125th FIFA-ranked Armenian team in September 2009.[6] After Georges Leekens' second stint as national manager,[61][62] his assistant Marc Wilmots became the caretaker in May 2012.[63]

After two matches as interim coach, Wilmots agreed to replace Leekens as manager.[64] Following his appointment, the team's results improved,[65] such that some foreign media regarded it as another Belgian golden generation.[66][67][68] The young Belgian squad qualified as unbeaten group winners for the 2014 World Cup finals,[69] and earned Belgium's second-ever place in a World Cup quarter-finals with a four-match winning streak.[70] Belgium qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 with a match to spare in October 2015,[71] and took the top spot in the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in November 2015,[72] to stay first for five months.[6][73] In the following year, Belgium could not confirm their role as outsider at the European Championship with a quarter-final elimination by the 26th FIFA-ranked Welsh team.[6][74] This prompted the RBFA to dismiss Wilmots.[75] In the 2018 World Cup qualifying allocation, they were seeded first in their group,[76][77] and made the final tournament under Spanish manager Roberto Martínez, becoming the first European team besides hosts Russia to do so.[78] Belgium was eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions France, but won the third place play-off against England.[79] On 16 November 2019, for the first time in its history the team topped the World Football Elo Ratings, after a 1–4 away win over Russia during the Euro 2020 qualifiers.[80]

Kits

Traditional red jersey worn by the team which placed third at the 2018 World Cup, and the stylised lion emblem (1948–80)

In home matches, the team's outfield players traditionally wear the colours of the Belgian flag: black, yellow and red.[81][82][83] Red dominates the strip and is often the sole jersey colour.[82][83] The away colours are usually white, black or both;[84] in 2014, the squad introduced a third, yellow kit.[85] Their shirts are often trimmed with tricolores at the margins.[83][86] Since 1981, the RBFA emblem has been the national team's badge;[83][87] the previous badge was a yellow lion on a black shield,[82][83] similar to the escutcheon of the national coat of arms.[88] On 8 November 2019, the Royal Belgian Football Association revealed a new logo, which preserved the main elements of the previous one: the royal crown, the wreath and the Belgian tricolor.[89]

For their first unofficial match in 1901, the Belgian team wore white jerseys with tricoloured bands on the upper arms.[13] Around their third unofficial match in 1902, the choice was made for a "shirt with national colours ... [that would indicate,] with a stripe, the number of times every player has participated in an encounter".[15] Since 1904, Belgium's classic all-red jersey design has been altered twice. In 1904–05, the squad briefly wore satin shirts with three horizontal bands in red, yellow and black; according to sports journalist Victor Boin, the shirts set "the ugliness record".[20] During the 1970s, manager Raymond Goethals chose an all-white combination to improve the team's visibility during evening matches.[33][90]

Six clothing manufacturers have supplied the official team strip. Adidas is the producer since 2014,[91] and closed a sponsorship deal with the RBFA until 2026;[92] it was also the supplier from 1974 to 1980, and from 1982 to 1991.[93] Former kit manufacturers are Umbro (early 1970s),[90][93] Admiral (1981–1982),[lower-alpha 5][93] Diadora (1992–1999),[93] Nike (1999–2010) and Burrda (2010–2014).[lower-alpha 6][93][95]

Home stadium

The national stadium at the Heysel Plateau in 1935 (left) and in 2013

Numerous former and current venues in 11 urban areas have hosted Belgium's home matches.[23] Most of these matches have been played in Brussels at the Heysel Plateau, on the site of the present-day King Baudouin Stadium—a multipurpose facility with a seating capacity of 50,122.[96] Its field also hosts the team's final trainings before domestic matches. Since 2007, most physical preparation takes place at the National Football Centre in Tubize,[97] or at Anderlecht's training ground in the Neerpede quarter.[98][99] Apart from Belgian home friendlies, at the international level Belgium's national stadium has also hosted six European Championship matches.[100][101]

In 1930, for the country's centennial, the venue was inaugurated as the Jubilee Stadium with an unofficial match between Belgium and the Netherlands.[102] At that time, the stadium had a capacity of 75,000.[103] In 1946, it was renamed Heysel Stadium after its city quarter. This new name became associated with the tragedy preceding the 1985 European Cup Final between Juventus and Liverpool; 39 spectators died after riots in the then antiquated building.[104][105] Three years after the disaster, plans were unveiled for a renovation;[106] in 1995, after two years of work, the modernised stadium was named after the late King Baudouin.[107] In May 2013, the Brussels-Capital Region announced that the King Baudouin Stadium would be replaced by Eurostadium, elsewhere on the Heysel Plateau;[108] in 2018, however, the plans for the new stadium were cancelled definitively.[109]

Team image

Media coverage

Gust De Muynck's live coverage during Belgium–Netherlands in 1931

The first live coverage of a Belgian sporting event occurred on 3 May 1931, when journalist Gust De Muynck commentated on the football match between Belgium and the Netherlands on radio.[110] Later, football broadcasts were also televised. As 60 per cent of Belgians speak Dutch and 40 per cent French,[111] commentaries for the national team matches are provided in both languages. The matches are not broadcast in German—Belgium's third official language.[111] During Belgium's tournament appearances in the 1980s and the early 1990s, Rik De Saedeleer crowned himself the nation's most famous football commentator with his emotional and humorous reports.[112]

Initially the matches were transmitted mainly on public television channels: the former BRTN (now VRT) in Dutch, and the RTBF in French. Since 1994, commercial channels such as vtm and its sister channel Kanaal 2, and VIER in Flanders, have purchased broadcasting rights.[1] The Euro 2016 round-of-16 match against Hungary was the most-watched programme in Belgian television history, with an audience of over four million viewers out of 11.3 million Belgian citizens.[111][113][114]

In April 2014, the VRT started transmitting a nine-piece, behind-the-scenes documentary about the national team filmed during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, titled Iedereen Duivel (Everybody Devil).[115] Cable broadband provider Telenet broadcast an eight-part documentary about individual players titled Rode Helden (Red Heroes).[116]

Side activities

Illustration of Belgium's game against France in April 1918: some of such unofficial wartime matches served as charity fundraisers.

Multiple events were organised for the fans during the squad's peak popularity in the 2010s. During the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, a string of interactive events called the Devil Challenges were organised.[117] The premise was that small groups of international players would do a favour in return for each of the five comprehensive chores their supporters completed ("colour Belgium red", "gather 500,000 decibels", etc.), all of which were accomplished.[118] In June 2013, the Belgian national team's first ever Fan Day attracted over 20,000 supporters;[119] a second was held after the 2014 World Cup.[120] On the days of Belgium's 2014 World Cup group matches, large dance events titled Dance with the Devils took place in three Belgian cities.[121] This type of happening was repeated during Belgium's Euro 2016 group matches.[122]

Occasionally, the Belgian team directly supported charity. Between 1914 and 1941 they played at least five unofficial matches of which the returns were for charitable purposes: two against France,[24][123] and three against the Netherlands.[102][124] In mid-1986, when the Belgian delegation reached the Mexico World Cup semi-finals, the squad started a project titled Casa Hogar, an idea of delegation leader Michel D'Hooghe.[125] Casa Hogar is a home for street children in the Mexican industrial city of Toluca, to which the footballers donated part of their tournament bonuses.[126] In August 2013, the national team supported four social projects through the charity fund Football+ Foundation, by playing an A-match with a plus sign on the shoulders of their jerseys and auctioning the shirts.[127]

In the 21st century, several national team players acted up against discrimination. In 2002, the national squad held its first anti-racism campaign in which they posed with slogans.[128] A home Euro 2012 qualifier was given the theme of respect for diversity in 2010; this UEFA-supported action was part of the European FARE Action Week.[129] Ex-Red Devil Dimitri Mbuyu—the first black Belgium player (in 1987)[54][130]—was engaged as godfather, and other foreign, current, and former footballers who played in the Belgian top division participated.[131] In 2018, four national team players spoke up against homophobic violence, in a video clip made by organisation Kick It Out.[132]

Nickname, logo and mascot

After a 1905 match, a Dutch reporter wrote that three Belgian footballers "work[ed] as devils".[133] A year later Léopold FC manager Pierre Walckiers nicknamed the players Red Devils, inspired by their jersey colour, and the achievement of three successive victories in 1906.[21][23] Because of their white home shirts in the 1970s, they were temporarily known as the White Devils.[33] Since 2012, the team logo is a red trident (or three-pronged pitchfork),[134] an item that is often associated with the devil.[135] Apart from that, the national squad has also had four official anthropomorphous mascots. The first was a lion in team kit named Diabolix,[136] a reference to the central symbol in the Belgian coat of arms that appeared on the team jerseys from 1905 to 1980.[83][137] In accordance with their epithet, the next mascots were a red super-devil and two fan-made modern devils; the most recent one, since 2018, was named "Red".[136][138]

Supporters

"Cycling is the traditional national sport of Belgium, but soccer is the most popular."

—Historian Richard Henshaw, 1979[10]

Fans of the Belgian national team display the country's tricolour national flag, usually with an emphasis on the red element. In 2012, local supporter clubs merged into one large Belgian federation named "1895" after the foundation year of the RBFA. One year later, 1895 had 24,000 members.[139] The nationwide interest in the football squad has also been reflected by the occasional presence of Belgian monarchs at their matches since 1914.[140][141][142] One of the greatest moments for the Belgian team and their 12th man was in mid-1986 when the Belgian delegation at the Mexico World Cup received a warm "welcome home". When the World Cup semi-finalists appeared on the balcony of Brussels Town Hall, the adjoining Grand Place square was filled with an ecstatic crowd that cheered as though their squad had won a major tournament.[143]

Crowd of Belgian fans in Kaliningrad Stadium at the 2018 World Cup

The team's deterioration after the 2002 World Cup lead to their absence from the end stages of the next five major tournaments, and strained their popularity. Between 2004 and 2010, local journalists called the Belgian footballing nation "mortally ill".[144][145] Of the fans that kept supporting their squad in bad times, Ludo Rollenberg was one of the most loyal. He attended the team's matches worldwide since 1990, missing only the 1999 Japanese Kirin Cup and two other matches by 2006,[146] and was the only supporter to attend their matches in Armenia in 2009.[147]

Just before the kick-off of a 2014 World Cup home qualifier, Belgium's footballers saw a first tifo banner, sized 10.5 by 11.5 metres (34 by 38 ft) depicting a devil in the national colours.[148] The presence of many Belgian players in top leagues abroad, such as the Premier League,[149] and promising results under Marc Wilmots, increased fans' enthusiasm and belief in a successful World Cup campaign.[119][150] Because of this popularity peak, two Belgian monuments were decorated in national colours for the 2014 FIFA World Cup event; the Manneken Pis statue received a child-sized version of the new Belgian uniform,[151] and facets of the Atomium's upper sphere were covered in black, yellow and red vinyl.[152]

Rivalries

Illustration of a Netherlands–Belgium cup match at Rotterdam's Schuttersveld pitch in 1905

Belgium's main football rivals are its neighbours the Netherlands and France, with which it shares close cultural and political relations.[153][154] The matchup between the Belgian and Dutch team is known as the Low Countries derby, as of May 2018 they have played each other in 126 official matches.[102][155] Belgium won the first four—unofficial—matches against the Netherlands,[15] but lost their first FIFA-recognised contest.[23] The two national teams played each other biannually between 1905 and 1964, except during the World Wars.[23] They have met 18 times in major tournament campaigns, and have played at least 35 friendly cup matches: in Belgium for the Coupe Vanden Abeele, and in the Netherlands for the Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad-Beker.[14][133] The overall balance favours the Netherlands, with 55 wins against 41 Belgian victories.[155] The Low Countries' squads co-operated in fundraising initiatives between 1925 and 1941; they played five unofficial matches for charity, FIFA and the Belgian Olympic Committee.[102][124][156]

The clash between the Belgian and French sides is nicknamed le Match Sympathique in French ("the Friendly Match");[157] they have contested 74 official matches as of September 2020.[155] The first match between Belgium and France, the Évence Coppée Trophy played in 1904, was the first official match for both teams and the first official football match between independent countries on the European continent.[158] Until 1967, the sides met almost annually.[23] As of September 2020, Belgium have the better record, with 30 wins to France's 25,[155] and France has played most often against Belgium in international football.[155]

Management

Roberto Martínez, Belgium's current head coach (since 2016)

Since 1904, the RBFA, 24 permanent managers and two caretaker managers have officially been in charge of the national team;[lower-alpha 7][22][57] this includes one national footballer selector.[22] As of June 2016, a crew of over 20 RBFA employees guides the player group,[161] including their Spanish manager Roberto Martínez, and goalkeeping coaches Erwin Lemmens and Iñaki Bergara.[162][163] Under Marc Wilmots, Belgium reached the top FIFA ranking spot in 2015, which earned him the title of Best Coach of the Year at the 2015 Globe Soccer Awards.[164] Under Guy Thys, the squad achieved record results at World and European championships; World Soccer magazine accordingly proclaimed him Manager of the Year in 1986.[165]

Rather than developing innovative team formations or styles of play, Belgium's managers applied conventional tactics. At the three 1930s World Cups, the Red Devils were aligned in a contemporary 2–3–5 "pyramid".[166][167][168] In 1954, Doug Livingstone's squad played in a 3–2–5 "WM" arrangement during World Cup matches.[30] Throughout most of their tournament matches in the 1970s, the 1980s and the 1990s, the team played in a 4–4–2 formation.[34][43][44] Since Raymond Goethals' stint in the 1970s, a key strength of the Belgian squad has been their systematic use of the offside trap,[169] a defensive tactic that was already intensively applied in the 1960s by Anderlecht coach Pierre Sinibaldi.[170] According to football journalist Wim De Bock, "master tactician" Goethals represented the "conservative, defensive football of the Belgian national team"; he added that in the 1970s, the contrast between the Belgian playing style and the Total Football of their Dutch rivals "could not be bigger".[171]

In an attempt to win a match at the 1998 World Cup, Georges Leekens chose a 4–3–3 arrangement for Belgium's second and third group matches.[172] Robert Waseige, Belgium coach around 2000, said that "above all, [his] 4–4–2 system [was] holy", in the sense that he left good attackers on the bench to keep his favourite formation.[173] Wilmots opted for the 4–3–3 line-up again,[174] with the intention of showing dominant football against any country.[175] Under Wilmots, Belgium managed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup where the team lost against Argentina in the quarter finals. After another qualification for the 2016 European Championships under Wilmots and a subsequent elimination in the quarter finals against Wales, Wilmots was replaced by Robert Martinez. Martinez led Belgium during a successful 2018 World Cup, reaching 3rd place overall after being eliminated in the semi finals by France.

Players

Current squad

32 players were called up on 6 November 2020 for the friendly against Switzerland and the UEFA Nations League matches against England and Denmark on 11, 15 and 18 November 2020, respectively, and were able to play. Charles De Ketelaere was called up for the first time but rejoined the Belgium U21 squad after the first match, as did Sebastiaan Bornauw and Alexis Saelemaekers.[176] One day later, Eden Hazard tested positive for COVID-19 and was not able to join the squad.[177] On 9 November 2020, Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard and Hendrik Van Crombrugge left the squad due to injury, with Thomas Foket and Thomas Kaminski being called up as replacements.[178] Youngster Hannes Delcroix was called up as well one day later in replacement of Thomas Vermaelen, who was not allowed to leave Japan due to COVID-19 safety procedures. Delcroix was initially to rejoin the U21 side after the match against Switzerland but eventually remained with the senior team as, together with Jan Vertonghen, they were the only left-footed defenders left in the squad.[179] Due to a positive COVID-19 test, Thomas Kaminski was forced to leave the squad just one day after his arrival,[180] with his replacement Gaëtan Coucke called up on 11 November 2020.[181] Simon Mignolet was allowed to leave the squad after the match against England to get some rest.[182]
Caps, goals and player numbers are correct as of 18 November 2020 after the match against Denmark.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Thibaut Courtois (1992-05-11) 11 May 1992 81 0 Real Madrid
12 1GK Gaëtan Coucke (1998-11-03) 3 November 1998 0 0 Mechelen
13 1GK Koen Casteels (1992-06-25) 25 June 1992 1 0 VfL Wolfsburg

2 2DF Toby Alderweireld (1989-03-02) 2 March 1989 104 5 Tottenham Hotspur
3 2DF Jason Denayer (1995-06-28) 28 June 1995 20 1 Lyon
4 2DF Dedryck Boyata (1990-11-28) 28 November 1990 21 0 Hertha BSC
5 2DF Jan Vertonghen (1987-04-24) 24 April 1987 123 9 Benfica
6 2DF Leander Dendoncker (1995-04-15) 15 April 1995 12 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
21 2DF Brandon Mechele (1993-01-28) 28 January 1993 3 0 Club Brugge
2DF Hannes Delcroix (1999-02-28) 28 February 1999 1 0 Anderlecht

7 3MF Kevin De Bruyne (Vice-captain) (1991-06-28) 28 June 1991 78 20 Manchester City
8 3MF Youri Tielemans (1997-05-07) 7 May 1997 34 4 Leicester City
10 3MF Thorgan Hazard (1993-03-29) 29 March 1993 31 4 Borussia Dortmund
15 3MF Joris Kayembe (1994-08-08) 8 August 1994 2 0 Charleroi
16 3MF Thomas Foket (1994-09-25) 25 September 1994 4 0 Reims
17 3MF Hans Vanaken (1992-08-14) 14 August 1992 8 0 Club Brugge
19 3MF Dennis Praet (1994-05-14) 14 May 1994 9 0 Leicester City
22 3MF Nacer Chadli (1989-08-02) 2 August 1989 61 8 İstanbul Başakşehir

9 4FW Romelu Lukaku (1993-05-13) 13 May 1993 89 57 Internazionale
11 4FW Dodi Lukebakio (1997-09-24) 24 September 1997 1 0 Hertha BSC
14 4FW Dries Mertens (1987-05-06) 6 May 1987 94 21 Napoli
18 4FW Yari Verschaeren (2001-07-12) 12 July 2001 6 1 Anderlecht
20 4FW Christian Benteke (1990-12-03) 3 December 1990 38 15 Crystal Palace
23 4FW Michy Batshuayi (1993-10-02) 2 October 1993 32 21 Crystal Palace
4FW Jérémy Doku (2002-05-27) 27 May 2002 5 1 Rennes

Recent call-ups

The following footballers were part of a national selection in the past 12 months, but are not part of the current squad.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Simon Mignolet (1988-03-06) 6 March 1988 29 0 Club Brugge v.  England, 15 November 2020
GK Hendrik Van Crombrugge INJ (1993-04-30) 30 April 1993 1 0 Anderlecht v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
GK Thomas Kaminski OTH (1992-10-23) 23 October 1992 0 0 Blackburn Rovers v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
GK Davy Roef (1994-02-06) 6 February 1994 0 0 Gent v.  Iceland, 14 October 2020
GK Jens Teunckens (1998-01-30) 30 January 1998 0 0 AEK Larnaca v.  Ivory Coast, 8 October 2020

DF Thomas Meunier SUS (1991-09-12) 12 September 1991 44 7 Borussia Dortmund v.  Denmark, 18 November 2020
DF Sebastiaan Bornauw (1999-03-22) 22 March 1999 2 0 1. FC Köln v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
DF Thomas Vermaelen OTH (1985-11-14) 14 November 1985 78 2 Vissel Kobe v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
DF Timothy Castagne INJ (1995-12-05) 5 December 1995 11 2 Leicester City v.  Iceland, 14 October 2020
DF Zinho Vanheusden INJ (1999-07-29) 29 July 1999 1 0 Standard Liège v.  Ivory Coast, 8 October 2020
DF Elias Cobbaut INJ (1997-11-24) 24 November 1997 1 0 Anderlecht v.  Denmark, 5 September 2020

MF Axel Witsel SUS (1989-01-12) 12 January 1989 110 10 Borussia Dortmund v.  Denmark, 18 November 2020
MF Alexis Saelemaekers INJ (1999-06-27) 27 June 1999 1 0 Milan v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
MF Yannick Carrasco INJ (1993-09-04) 4 September 1993 44 6 Atlético Madrid v.  Iceland, 14 October 2020

FW Charles De Ketelaere (2001-03-10) 10 March 2001 1 0 Club Brugge v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
FW Eden Hazard OTH (Captain) (1991-01-07) 7 January 1991 106 32 Real Madrid v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
FW Leandro Trossard INJ (1994-12-04) 4 December 1994 3 0 Brighton & Hove Albion v.   Switzerland, 11 November 2020
FW Divock Origi (1995-04-18) 18 April 1995 29 3 Liverpool v.  Iceland, 14 October 2020
FW Landry Dimata (1997-09-01) 1 September 1997 0 0 Anderlecht v.  Iceland, 8 September 2020

INJ = Withdrew from this squad due to injury
OTH = Other reason
UNF = Deemed unfit
RET = Retired from international football
SUS = Serving suspension

Notable

Paul Van Himst

Between 1904 and 1980, mainly attacking Belgium players were recognised as talented footballers. In the team's first decade, striker Robert De Veen was very productive with 26 goals in 23 international appearances.[183] Richard Henshaw described Alphonse Six as "Belgium's greatest player in the prewar period ... [who] was often called the most skillful forward outside Great Britain".[26] The key player of the victorious 1920 Olympic squad was Robert Coppée, who scored a hat-trick against Spain's Ricardo Zamora,[184] and the penalty in the final.[185] Other outstanding Belgian strikers in the interwar period were former top scorer Bernard Voorhoof and "Belgium's football grandmaster" Raymond Braine,[54][186] considered "one of the greatest players of the era".[187]

Gifted players in the 1940s and the 1950s included centre-back Louis Carré and attackers Jef Mermans, Pol Anoul and Rik Coppens;[26] at the 1954 World Cup, Anoul shone with three goals,[30] and newspaper L'Équipe named Coppens the event's best centre forward.[188] The 1960s and the early 1970s were the glory days of forward and four-time Belgian Golden Shoe Paul Van Himst,[189] later elected Belgian UEFA Golden Player of 1954–2003 and Belgium's Player of the Century by IFFHS.[190][191]

Eden Hazard, current team captain and second top scoring player for Belgium.[192]

At the 1965 Ballon d'Or, Van Himst ranked fourth, achieving Belgium's highest ever position at the European football election.[193] Decades after Coppens and Van Himst had retired from playing football, a journalist on a Flemish television show asked them "Who [from both of you] was the best, actually?". Coppens replied: "I will ask Paul that ... If Paul says it was me, then he's right".[194] In 1966, striker Raoul Lambert and defending midfielder Wilfried Van Moer joined the national team;[54] while the UEFA praised Lambert for his skills at Euro 1972,[195] Van Moer won three Golden Shoes and equalled Van Himst's fourth rank at the 1980 Ballon d'Or.[189][196]

Belgium has seen two talented waves since 1980, from which several players in defensive positions gained international fame. In the 1980s and the early 1990s, goalkeepers Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Preud'homme were elected best custodians at FIFA World Cups,[46][47] while FIFA recognised midfielders Jan Ceulemans and Enzo Scifo as the propelling forces of Belgium's 1986 FIFA World Cup squad.[46][197] In 2002, after all players of this generation had retired,[54] Marc Wilmots became Belgium's top scorer at the World Cup with five goals.[45][172]

During the 10 years from 2002 to 2012 in which Belgium failed to qualify for major tournaments, another golden generation matured, many of whom gained both prime individual and team awards in foreign European top clubs and competitions.[lower-alpha 8] These include defender Vincent Kompany,[198][199] midfielder Kevin De Bruyne;[200] and winger Eden Hazard, who has been praised as one of Chelsea F.C.'s greatest players ever[201] and one of his era's best footballers in the world,[202] in the team, he is ranked only after Romelu Lukaku on Belgium's all-time scoring leaderboard.[203][204] Honorable mentions of this golden generation are Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Dries Mertens, Toby Alderweireld and Lukaku.[205] These players helped Belgium finish at the third place of 2018 FIFA World Cup, the team's best result at the tournament and reach number one on FIFA ranking twice, since 2015.[206][207]

Competitive record

Overview
Event 1st place 2nd place 3rd place 4th place
World Cup 0 0 1 1
European Championship 0 1 1 0
Olympic Games 1 0 1 1
Nations League 0 0 0 0
Total 1 1 3 2

FIFA World Cup

Belgium failed to progress past the first round of their earliest five World Cup participations. After two scoreless defeats at the inaugural World Cup in 1930,[166] the team scored in their first-round knockout matches in the 1934 and 1938 editions—but only enough to save their honour.[167][168] In 1954, they tied with England (4–4 after extra time),[30] and in 1970, they won their first World Cup match, against El Salvador (3–0).[34]

From 1982 until 2002, Belgium qualified for six successive World Cups, and in the tournament finals they advanced beyond the first round five times.[42] In the 1982 FIFA World Cup opener, Belgium beat defending champions Argentina 1–0. Their tournament ended in the second group stage, after a Polish hat-trick by Zbigniew Boniek and a 0–1 loss against the Soviet Union.[43]

United States–Belgium in 1930 was the joint first ever World Cup match.

At Mexico 1986, the Belgian team achieved their then best-ever World Cup run at the time. In the knockout phase as underdogs they beat the Soviets after extra time (3–4);[208] the unnoticed offside position of Jan Ceulemans, during the initial ninety minutes, allowed him to equalise (2–2) and force the match into extra time.[209] They also beat Spain, in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw, but lost to eventual champions Argentina in the semi-final 2–0, and France in the third-place match (4–2).[48]

In the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Belgium dominated periods of their second-round match against England;[210] Enzo Scifo and Jan Ceulemans hit the woodwork.[211] David Platt's volley in the final minute of extra time, described as "nearly blind" by Richard Witzig,[212] avoided an apparently goalless draw and led to the sudden elimination of the Belgians.[213]

In 1994, a 3–2 defeat to defending champions Germany saw Belgium go out in the second round again.[44] Afterwards, the entire Belgian delegation criticised referee Kurt Röthlisberger for not awarding a penalty for a foul on Belgian Josip Weber.[214] Three draws in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup were insufficient for Belgium to reach the knockout stage.[172] With two draws, the 2002 FIFA World Cup started poorly for Belgium, but they won the decisive group match against Russia 3–2. In the second round, they faced eventual World Cup winners Brazil; Belgium lost 2–0 after Marc Wilmots' headed opening goal was disallowed due to a "phantom foul" on Roque Júnior, as Witzig named it.[45][215]

In 2014, Belgium beat all their group opponents with a single-goal difference.[70] Thereafter, they played an entertaining round of 16 match against the United States,[216] in which American goalkeeper Tim Howard made 15 saves.[lower-alpha 9] However, they defeated the United States 2–1 in extra time.[70] In a balanced quarter-final, Argentina eliminated Belgium, after a 1–0 victory.[218]

At the 2018 World Cup, Belgium started with five consecutive victories (including group wins over Panama, Tunisia and England). In the fourth, in the round of 16 match against Japan, they suffered a major setback in the second half by being led 0–2, but goals from Jan Vertonghen and late substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli led to an unlikely and historical comeback to 3–2. Belgium then defeated World Cup favourites Brazil 2–1 on the back of an early Fernandinho own goal and a goal by Kevin De Bruyne,[219][220] and reached the semifinals.[221] Belgium lost to France 0–1 in the semi-final, but rebounded to win 2–0 in their second victory over England in the tournament to secure third place and the best ever World Cup result for the Belgian national team. Some players that notably contributed were captain Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku, who were later recognised by FIFA as the tournament's second best player (Silver Ball), best goalkeeper (Golden Glove) and third top scorer (Bronze Boot), respectively.[222]

Belgium's FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Host nation(s)
and year
Round Pos Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Outcome Pld W D L GF GA
1930 Round 1 11th of 13 2 0 0 2 0 4 Squad Qualified as invitees
1934 15th of 16 1 0 0 1 2 5 Squad 2nd of 4 2 0 1 1 6 8
1938 13th of 15 1 0 0 1 1 3 Squad 2nd of 4 2 1 1 0 4 3
1950 Withdrew[223] Withdrew
1954 Group stage 12th of 16 2 0 1 1 5 8 Squad 1st of 3 4 3 1 0 11 6
1958 Did not qualify 2nd of 3 4 2 1 1 16 11
1962 3rd of 3 4 0 0 4 3 10
1966 1st of 4, playoff loss 5 3 0 2 12 5
1970 Group stage 10th of 16 3 1 0 2 4 5 Squad 1st of 4 6 4 1 1 14 8
1974 Did not qualify 2nd of 4 6 4 2 0 12 0
1978 2nd of 4 6 3 0 3 7 6
1982 Group stage 2 10th of 24 5 2 1 2 3 5 Squad 1st of 5 8 5 1 2 12 9
1986 Fourth place 4th of 24 7 2 2* 3 12 15 Squad 2nd of 4, playoff win 8 4 2 2 9 5
1990 Round of 16 11th of 24 4 2 0 2 6 4 Squad 1st of 5 8 4 4 0 15 5
1994 11th of 24 4 2 0 2 4 4 Squad 2nd of 6 10 7 1 2 16 5
1998 Group stage 19th of 32 3 0 3 0 3 3 Squad 2nd of 5, playoff win 10 7 1 2 23 13
2002 Round of 16 14th of 32 4 1 2 1 6 7 Squad 2nd of 5, playoff win 10 7 2 1 27 6
2006 Did not qualify 4th of 6 10 3 3 4 16 11
2010 4th of 6 10 3 1 6 13 20
2014 Quarter-finals 6th of 32 5 4 0 1 6 3 Squad 1st of 6 10 8 2 0 18 4
2018 Third place 3rd of 32 7 6 0 1 16 6 Squad 1st of 6 10 9 1 0 43 6
2022 To be determined To be determined
Total Third place 13/21 48 20 9 19 68 72 Total 133 77 25 31 277 141
  Champions    Runners-up    Third place    Fourth place
* Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

UEFA European Championship

Line-ups of the Euro 1980 final: Belgium (red) against West Germany

With five successful qualification campaigns out of fourteen, Belgium's performance in the European Championship does not compare to their World Cup record. Belgium has hosted or co-hosted the event twice; they were chosen to accommodate the UEFA Euro 1972 from three candidates,[lower-alpha 10] and hosted UEFA Euro 2000 with the Netherlands.[50]

At Euro 1972, Belgium finished third after losing 1–2 against West Germany and beating Hungary 2–1.[35] The team's best continental result is their second place at Euro 1980 in Italy. By finishing as group winners, Belgium reached the final, to face West Germany. The West German Horst Hrubesch scored first, but René Vandereycken equalised courtesy of a penalty. Two minutes before the regular playing time ended, Hrubesch scored again denying Belgium a first European title.[40]

At Euro 1984, in their last and decisive group match against Denmark, the Belgian team took a 0–2 lead, but the Danes won the match 3–2.[49] Sixteen years later, Belgium automatically reappeared at UEFA's national team tournament as co-hosts. After winning the Euro 2000 opener against Sweden 2–1,[225] two 2–0 losses against eventual runners-up Italy and Turkey eliminated the Belgians from the tournament by the end of the group stage.[50]

In spite of winning with broad margins against the Republic of Ireland (3–0) and Hungary (0–4) at Euro 2016,[226][227] Belgium exited in the quarter-finals. As during the tournament's qualifiers Wales defeated Belgium, by 3–1.[74]

Belgium's UEFA European Championship record Qualification record
Host nation(s)
and year
Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Outcome Pld W D L GF GA
1960 Did not enter Did not enter
1964 Did not qualify Preliminary loss 2 0 0 2 2 4
1968 2nd of 4 6 3 1 2 14 9
1972 Third place 3rd of 4 2 1 0 1 3 3 Squad Quarter-finals win 8 5 2 1 13 4
1976 Did not qualify 1st of 4, playoff loss 8 3 2 3 7 10
1980 Runners-up 2nd of 8 4 1 2 1 4 4 Squad 1st of 5 8 4 4 0 12 5
1984 Group stage 6th of 8 3 1 0 2 4 8 Squad 1st of 4 6 4 1 1 12 8
1988 Did not qualify 3rd of 5 8 3 3 2 16 8
1992 3rd of 4 6 2 1 3 7 6
1996 3rd of 6 10 4 3 3 17 13
2000 Group stage 12th of 16 3 1 0 2 2 5 Squad Qualified as hosts
2004 Did not qualify 3rd of 5 8 5 1 2 11 9
2008 5th of 8 14 5 3 6 14 16
2012 3rd of 6 10 4 3 3 21 15
2016 Quarter-finals 7th of 24 5 3 0 2 9 5 Squad 1st of 6 10 7 2 1 24 5
2020 Qualified TBA 0 0 0 0 0 0 Squad 1st of 6 10 10 0 0 40 3
Total Runners-up 6/16 17 7 2 8 22 25 Total 114 59 26 29 210 115
  Champions    Runners-up    Third place/semi-finalists  

Summer Olympic Games

Hectic phase during the goal-rich Olympic win against Luxembourg in 1928 (5–3)

Football tournaments for senior men's national teams took place in six Summer Olympics between 1908 and 1936. The Belgian squad participated in all three Olympic football tournaments in the 1920s and kept the gold medal at home at the 1920 edition.[23][228] Apart from the proper national team, two other Belgian delegations appeared at the Olympics. At the 1900 Summer Olympics, a Belgian representation with mainly students won bronze,[229] and at the 2008 edition, Belgium's U-23 selection placed fourth.[59]

Belgium's 1920 Olympic squad was given a bye into the quarter-finals, where they won 3–1 against Spain, and reached the semi-finals, where they beat the Netherlands 3–0. In the first half of their final against Czechoslovakia, the Belgians led 2–0.[228] Forward Robert Coppée converted a disputed early penalty, and the action in which attacker Henri Larnoe doubled the score was also a matter of debate.[25][184] After the dismissal of the Czechoslovak left-back Karel Steiner, the discontented visitors left the pitch in the 40th minute. Afterwards, the away team reported their reasons for protest to the Olympic organisation;[25] these complaints were dismissed and the Czechoslovaks were disqualified.[26] The 2–0 score was allowed to stand and Belgium were crowned the champions.[26]

Belgium's Summer Olympic Games record
Host nation,
city and year
Round Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Athens 1896 No association football competition took place.
Paris 1900 Third place100126Squad
St. Louis 1904 Did not enter
London 1908
Stockholm 1912
Antwerp 1920 Winners330081Squad
Paris 1924 Round 2100118Squad
Amsterdam 1928 Quarter-finals3102912Squad
Los Angeles 1932 No association football competition took place.
Berlin 1936 Did not enter
London 1948
Helsinki 1952
Melbourne 1956
Rome 1960
Tokyo 1964
Mexico City 1968
Munich 1972
Montreal 1976
Moscow 1980 Did not qualify
Los Angeles 1984
Seoul 1988 Did not enter
Barcelona 1992 Did not qualify
Atlanta 1996
Sydney 2000
Athens 2004
Beijing 2008 Fourth place6303710Squad
London 2012 Did not qualify
Rio de Janeiro 2016
Tokyo 2020
Total 1 title 14 7 0 7 27 37
  Gold    Silver    Bronze
Editions in italics did not include a football tournament.

Football at the Summer Olympics has been an under-23 tournament since 1992 (with three players of over 23 years of age allowed in the squad).

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League record
Year Division Round Pos Pld W D* L GF GA
2018–19 A Group stage5th430196
2020–21 A To be determined6501166
Total Group stage
League A
2/2 10 8 0 2 25 12

Records and fixtures

As of 8 September 2020, the complete official match record of the Belgian national team comprises 784 matches: 339 wins, 165 draws and 280 losses.[lower-alpha 2][23] During these matches, the team scored 1,396 times and conceded 1,256 goals. Belgium's highest winning margin is nine goals, which has been achieved on four occasions: against Zambia in 1994 (9–0), against San Marino in 2001 (10–1) and 2019 (9–0), and against Gibraltar in 2017 (9–0).[23] Their longest winning streak is 12 wins, and their unbeaten record is 23 consecutive official matches.[lower-alpha 11][23]

The entire match record can be examined on the following articles:

Upcoming fixtures are listed on the 2020s results page.

Individual records

Most capped players

Romelu Lukaku (left) is Belgium's all-time record goalscorer, and Jan Vertonghen their most capped player.[lower-alpha 2]

As of 8 September 2020, the RBFA lists 691 players who appeared on the men's senior national team.[lower-alpha 12][54] With 123 caps according to the RBFA, Jan Vertonghen has the most appearances for Belgium.[lower-alpha 2][183] Jan Ceulemans started the most matches as captain (48).[230] Hector Goetinck had the longest career as an international footballer: 17 years, 6 months and 10 days.[54]

As of 18 November 2020. The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF.
Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.
Players with an equal number of caps are ranked in chronological order of reaching the milestone.

# Name Belgium career Caps Goals Position
1 Jan Vertonghen 2007– 123[lower-alpha 13] 9 DF
2 Axel Witsel 2008– 110[lower-alpha 14] 10 MF
3 Eden Hazard 2008– 106[lower-alpha 15] 32 MF/FW
4 Toby Alderweireld 2009– 104[lower-alpha 14] 5 DF
5 Jan Ceulemans 1977–1991 96 23 MF/FW
6 Dries Mertens 2011– 94[lower-alpha 15] 21 FW
Timmy Simons 2001–2016 94 6 DF/MF
8 Vincent Kompany 2004–2019 89[lower-alpha 13] 4 DF
Romelu Lukaku 2010– 89[lower-alpha 13] 57[lower-alpha 16] FW
10 Marouane Fellaini 2007–2018 87[lower-alpha 13] 18[lower-alpha 17] MF

Top goalscorers

Romelu Lukaku is the highest-scoring Belgium player with 57 goals.[lower-alpha 2][183] Those who scored the most goals in one match are Robert De Veen, Bert De Cleyn and Josip Weber (5);[54] De Veen also holds the record for the most hat-tricks with three.[54] Belgium's fastest goal after the initial kick-off was scored by Christian Benteke, 8.1 seconds into the match against Gibraltar on 10 October 2016.[230][231]

As of 18 November 2020. The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF.
Highlighted names denote a player still playing or available for selection.

# Name Belgium career Goals Caps Position Goals per game
1 Romelu Lukaku (list) 2010– 57[lower-alpha 16] 89[lower-alpha 13] FW 0.64
2 Eden Hazard (list) 2008– 32 106[lower-alpha 15] MF/FW 0.3
3 Bernard Voorhoof 1928–1940 30 61 FW 0.49
Paul Van Himst 1960–1974 30 81 FW 0.37
5 Marc Wilmots 1990–2002 29 70 MF 0.41
6 Joseph Mermans 1945–1956 27 56 FW 0.48
7 Ray Braine 1925–1939 26 54 FW 0.48
Robert De Veen 1906–1913 26 23 FW 1.13
9 Wesley Sonck 2001–2010 24 55 FW 0.44
10 Jan Ceulemans 1977–1991 23 96 MF/FW 0.24
Marc Degryse 1984–1996 23 63 FW 0.37

See also

Footnotes

  1. The acronyms KBVB, URBSFA and KBFV come from the organisation's respective Dutch, French and German names: Koninklijke Belgische Voetbalbond, Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football-Association and Königliche Belgische Fußballverband.
    The title of "Royal Union" was awarded on its 25th anniversary in 1920.[1]
  2. Caps and goals against Romania on 14 November 2012, against Luxembourg on 26 May 2014 and against Czech Republic on 5 June 2017 were counted by RBFA but are not officially recognised by FIFA – the former two due to an excessive number of substitutions according to the Laws of the Game,[2][3][4] the latter because the Belgian and Czech football federations were too late in requesting an official match.[5]
  3. Dutch: Belgisch nationaal voetbalelftal
    French: Équipe nationale Belge de football
    German: Belgische Fußballnationalmannschaft
  4. UBSFA was the acronym for the organisation's French name: Union Belge des Sociétés de Football-Association.
    In 1920 it received the title of "Royal Union" for its 25th year of existence, and hence became the Royal Belgian Football Association.[11]
  5. Even in their last match of 1980, against Cyprus on 21 December, Belgium played in an Adidas outfit.[94] This suggests that Admiral's sponsorship started in 1981, contrary to what the 2014 article stated.
  6. The timeline in the 2014 overview article stated the switch from Diadora to Nike happened in 1998. However, the 1999 article focused on this kit sponsor change which took place in mid-1999.
  7. The interim managers were Louis Nicolay and Franky Vercauteren.[159][160]
  8. Prime individual awards include being elected the season's or year's best player of a competition; prime team awards equal winning a competition. National top divisions, main national cup competitions, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are considered.
  9. FIFA's initial match statistics showed 16 saves, and many news sources continue to use this number. The official FIFA statistics were updated on 5 July 2014 to show 15 saves.[217]
  10. The other bids were from England and Italy,[224] whose teams did not reach the semi-finals.[35]
  11. This streak started in September 2016 and does not include the friendly win against Czech Republic on 5 June 2017; this match is not FIFA-recognised since the Belgian and Czech football federations were too late in asking that it would be official.[5]
  12. Note that the RBFA does not count caps earned in the Belgian seven Summer Olympics matches, and that it does include Belgium's friendlies on 14 November 2012, 26 May 2014 and 5 June 2017 that are not FIFA-recognised – the former two due to an excessive number of substitutions according to the Laws of the Game,[4] the latter because of a lacking official request.[5]
  13. This includes 3 caps in FIFA unrecognised friendlies.
  14. This includes 2 caps in FIFA unrecognised friendlies.
  15. This includes 1 cap in a FIFA unrecognised friendly.
  16. This includes 3 goals in a FIFA unrecognised friendly.
  17. This includes 1 goal in a FIFA unrecognised friendly.

References

  1. "The RBFA's History". RBFA. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  2. "Football MATCH: 14.11.2012 (Romania v Belgium)". EU Football. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  3. "Football MATCH: 26.05.2014 (Belgium v Luxembourg)". EU Football. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  4. "Rules & Governance – Law 3: The number of players". The FA. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  5. "Welles-nietesspel rond oefenmatch tegen Tsjechië: Daarom was het geen officiële wedstrijd" [Yes or no game about friendly against Czech Republic: this is why it was no official match] (in Dutch). Sporza. 6 June 2017. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  6. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  7. See:
  8. Vanysacker, Dries (21 May 2015). "Belgische voetbalgeschiedenis begon in Gent" [Belgian football history began in Ghent]. Eos (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  9. Colin, François (1 April 2003). "Report. "Kroniek van het Belgisch voetbal" schetst ontstaan populairste sport" [Report. "The chronicle of Belgian football" sketches origins of most popular sport]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 11 June 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  10. Henshaw 1979, p. 75.
  11. "Historique de l'URBSFA" [History of the RBFA] (in French). RBFA. Archived from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  12. Guldemont & Deps 1995, p. 64.
  13. Fraiponts & Willocx 2003.
  14. Verkamman, Matty (9 January 1999). "Interlandvoetbal om 'koperen dingetje'/Sporteeuw (2) – 1901" [International football for 'the copper thingy'/Sports Century (2) – 1901]. Trouw (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  15. Hubert 1980, p. 12.
  16. Hubert 1980, p. 13.
  17. "Belgium v France − a 109-year-old rivalry". UEFA. 13 August 2013. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  18. "History of FIFA – Foundation". FIFA. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  19. Parrish & Nauright 2014, p. xv.
  20. Boin 1945.
  21. Guldemont & Deps 1995, p. 65.
  22. Mubarak, Hassanin (7 August 2003). "Belgium National Team Coaches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  23. Stokkermans, Karel. "Belgium – List of International Matches". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  24. "Frankrijk–België" [France–Belgium]. De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 21 March 1916. Retrieved 11 June 2015 via Delpher.
  25. Fauria í García, Juan (1993). "The 1920 Football (Soccer) Tournament" (PDF). ISOH Magazine. 1 (4): 5–7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  26. Henshaw 1979, p. 76.
  27. "Belgium in exile - Belgische regering, vluchtelingen en soldaten in Groot-Brittannië" [Belgium in exile - Belgian government, refugees and soldiers in Great Britain] (PDF). Catalogus van de Gelijknamige Tentoonstelling in Het Algemeen Rijksarchief Te Brussel (in Dutch). National Archives of Belgium: 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  28. Chaplin, Mark (5 May 2014). "The birth of UEFA". UEFA. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  29. "België wist Engeland een gelijk spel af te dwingen" [Belgium managed to enforce a draw against England]. Amigoe di Curaçao (in Dutch). 18 June 1954. Retrieved 19 December 2016 via Delpher.
  30. "World Cup 1954 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  31. "Retro WK 1966: Engeland wint na meest omstreden goal van de eeuw, Duivels stranden in testmatch" [Retro WC 1966: England wins after most controversial goal of the century, Devils left stranded in test match]. voetbalnieuws.be (in Dutch). 31 May 2014. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  32. Bernhart & Houtman 2014.
  33. Lagae, Bart (23 May 2002). "WK-geschiedenis. 1970. Witte Duivels smelten weg in Mexico" [WC history. 1970. White Devils melt away in Mexico]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  34. "World Cup 1970 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  35. Stokkermans, Karel; Tabeira, Martín (31 January 2007). "European Championship 1972". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  36. "Wonderbaarlijke ontsnappingen uit de Oranje-historie" [Miraculous escapes in Oranje history]. de Volkskrant (in Dutch). 19 November 2003. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  37. Snyder 2001.
  38. Stokkermans, Karel; Tabeira, Martín (20 June 2013). "European Championship 1976". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  39. Stokkermans, Karel; Jarreta, Sergio Henrique (3 January 2000). "World Cup 1978 Qualifying". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  40. Stokkermans, Karel; Tabeira, Martín (28 March 2007). "European Championship 1980". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  41. Runciman, David (16 June 2014). "Why You Should (and Should Not) be Excited About Belgium's New Golden Generation". The New Republic. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  42. "2014 Fifa World Cup: Guide to Belgium's Group H". BBC. 23 May 2014. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2016.
  43. "World Cup 1982 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  44. "World Cup 1994 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  45. Manaschev, Erlan (3 July 2008). "World Cup 2002 – Match Details". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  46. "FIFA World Cup All-Star Team – Football world Cup All Star Team". Football.sporting99.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  47. "FIFA World Cups: Awards" (PDF). FIFA. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2007.
  48. "World Cup 1986 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  49. Courtney, Barrie (19 June 2004). "European Championship 1984 – Final Tournament – Full Details". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 26 November 2001. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  50. Beuker, John; Stokkermans, Karel (17 January 2004). "European Championship 2000". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  51. Bobrowsky, Josef (14 June 2000). "King Hassan II Tournament 1998". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  52. "Cyprus International Tournament 1999". RSSSF. 27 February 2001. Archived from the original on 26 July 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
  53. Pierrend, José Luis (11 June 2000). "Kirin Cup 1999". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  54. "All Red Devils". RBFA. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  55. "Markov : "België verzwakt door vertrek Wilmots-Verheyen"" [Markov: "Belgium weakened by departure Wilmots-Verheyen"]. Gazet van Antwerpen (in Dutch). 8 September 2002. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  56. "Waseige resigns as Belgium coach". BreakingNews.ie. 17 June 2002. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  57. Delvaux, Maarten (6 June 2012). "Overzicht Belgische bondscoaches" [Overview Belgian national team coaches]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  58. De Vos, Gunther (18 June 2007). "Sterke generatie schrijft geschiedenis" [Strong generation writes history]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  59. Stokkermans, Karel (14 March 2013). "Games of the XXIX. Olympiad – Football Tournament". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  60. Saaid, Hamdan (16 July 2009). "Kirin Cup 2009". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  61. Vandewalle, Ludo; De Vos, Gunther; V., Ki. (3 May 2010). "Georges Leekens dan toch bondscoach" [Georges Leekens national manager after all]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  62. lbo; M., Jan (13 May 2012). "Leekens verlaat Rode Duivels voor Club Brugge" [Leekens leaves Red Devils for Club Brugge]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  63. Delvaux, Maarten; Lagae, Bart (15 May 2012). "Marc Wilmots voorlopig interim-bondscoach" [Marc Wilmots provisional interim national manager]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  64. M., Jan (6 June 2012). "Marc Wilmots is nieuwe bondscoach tot 2014" [Marc Wilmots is new national manager until 2014]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  65. "Argentina go second, Belgium & Uruguay rise". FIFA. 12 September 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  66. Adams, Tim (24 August 2013). "Why Belgium is the hottest country in football". Esquire. Archived from the original on 19 September 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  67. "Rote Teufel: Eine Goldene Generation mit königsblauer Disziplin" [Red Devils: A golden generation with royal blue discipline]. Bild (in German). 11 September 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  68. Sinnott, John (10 September 2013). "Will Belgium win the World Cup?". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2013.
  69. Stokkermans, Karel; Andrés, Juan Pablo; Lugo, Erik Francisco (18 June 2015). "World Cup 2014 Qualifying". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  70. Morrison, Neil (24 July 2014). "World Cup 2014 – Match Details". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  71. "Belgium stroll past Andorra to qualify". UEFA. 10 October 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
  72. "Belgium go top, Chile and Austria soar". FIFA. 5 November 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  73. "Belgium and Turkey claim awards, Hungary return". FIFA. 3 December 2015. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  74. "Wales stun Belgium to reach Euro semifinal". ESPN FC. 1 July 2016. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  75. maj (15 July 2016). "Marc Wilmots ontslagen als coach Rode Duivels" [Marc Wilmots dismissed as coach Red Devils]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  76. "FIFA World Cup qualifying draw format". UEFA. 16 June 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  77. "FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – July 2015 (UEFA)". FIFA. 9 July 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  78. "Greece 1–2 Belgium: Visitors become first European side to qualify for World Cup with win". Sky Sports. 3 September 2017. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
  79. Wilson, Scott; Andrews, Kendra; Flaherty, 14 July 2018. "Belgium claims third place at World Cup with a 2–0 win over England". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  80. "Belgium". Flags of the World. 6 June 2009. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 3 October 2009.
  81. "fifa world cup 1930 group 4". Historical Football Kits. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  82. "Goaaal! Fotomontage Rode Duivels – 1980" [Goaaal! Photo gallery Red Devils – 1980] (in Dutch). Belgian State Archives. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  83. "Goaaal! Fotomontage Rode Duivels" [Goaaal! Photo gallery Red Devils] (in Dutch). Belgian State Archives. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  84. Delvaux, Maarten (27 February 2014). "Met deze shirts spelen Rode Duivels op het WK" [Red Devils play at the WC in these shirts]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  85. "Goaaal! Fotomontage Rode Duivels – 1970" [Goaaal! Photo gallery Red Devils – 1970] (in Dutch). Belgian State Archives. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  86. "Voetbal: Nederland- België 3–0" [Football: The Netherlands-Belgium 3–0] (in Dutch). gahetNA (Genootschap voor het Nationaal Archief, het Nationaal Archief, Spaarnestad Photo). Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  87. "Heraldic emblem and motto". Belgian Federal Government. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2015.
  88. "All-New Belgium Logo Revealed – 2020 Kit Debut Imminent". Footy Headlines. 8 November 2019. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  89. "Rode Duivels, witte engelen" [Red Devils, white angels] (in Dutch). BRUZZZ. 5 June 2014. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  90. "New Adidas Belgium 2014–15 Kits Released". Footy Headlines. 14 August 2014. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  91. "Adidas is nog minstens 6 jaar kledingsponsor van de Rode Duivels" [Adidas remains the clothing sponsor of the Red Devils for at least 6 years] (in Dutch). Sporza. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 2 September 2020.
  92. Vandewalle, Ludo (24 May 2014). "Adidas na WK wellicht nieuwe kledingsponsor Duivels" [Adidas likely new Devils clothing sponsor after WC]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  93. "1980: België klopt Cyprus met 0–2" [1980: Belgium beats Cyprus 0–2] (in Dutch). Sporza. Archived from the original on 29 October 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  94. Van den Broecke, Sander (1 July 1999). "Rode Duivels in "rood, klassiek en rustig" shirt" [Red Devils in "red, classic and serene" shirt]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  95. "History King Baudouin Stadium". RBFA. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  96. Vandewalle, Ludo (4 September 2007). "Duivels trainen voor het eerst in Tubeke" [Devils train for the first time in Tubeke]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  97. arvn (23 March 2013). "Rode Duivels trainen ontspannen in Neerpede" [Red Devils train relaxed in Neerpede]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  98. vml (31 August 2015). "Bosniërs trainen al eerste keer op Belgische bodem" [Bosnians train first time on Belgian soil already]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
  99. "UEFA Euro 1972 – History – Germany-USSR". UEFA. 3 October 2003. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  100. Winkler, Pierre (17 January 2004). "European Championship 2000 – Full Details Final Tournament". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  101. Stokkermans, Karel (6 March 2014). "The "Derby der Lage Landen"". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  102. "België slaat Nederland met 4–1" [Belgium beats Netherlands 4–1]. Algemeen Handelsblad (in Dutch). 15 September 1930. Retrieved 8 September 2015 via Delpher.
  103. Hussey, Andrew (3 April 2005). "Lost lives that saved a sport". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2006.
  104. Parrish & Nauright 2014, p. xxviii.
  105. "Heyzel-stadion wordt gesloopt" [Heyzel stadium to be demolished]. De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 29 November 1988. Retrieved 29 August 2015 via Delpher.
  106. "Stadion – Geschiedenis – Koning Boudewijnstadion" [Stadium – History – King Baudouin Stadium] (in Dutch). Vzw Prosport Brussel. Archived from the original on 26 June 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  107. Sels, Geert (25 May 2013). "Koning Boudewijnstadion wordt afgebroken" [King Baudouin Stadium to be demolished]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  108. "Brussel geeft de doodsteek aan Eurostadion" [Brussels gives deathblow to Eurostadium]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 26 March 2018. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  109. "Archiefmeester: Radio & voetbal" [Archive master: Radio & football] (in Dutch). Radio 1. 16 March 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  110. "The World Factbook – Europe – Belgium". Central Intelligence Agency. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
  111. Vlemings, Joeri (5 March 2013). "Rik, de dertiende man van de Rode Duivels" [Rik, the thirteenth man of the Red Devils]. Het Laatste Nieuws (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  112. "Opnieuw gigantisch hoge kijkcijfers voor wedstrijd van Rode Duivels" [Again high viewer numbers for Red Devils match]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 27 June 2016. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
  113. "Kijkcijferrecord EK Rode Duivels verbroken" [Viewer record Red Devils' EC broken] (in Dutch). VRT. 1 August 2016. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
  114. "Nieuwe Vrt-reeks kijkt mee achter de schermen van de Rode Duivels" [New Vrt series watches behind the scenes of the Red Devils]. De Standaard (in Dutch). 3 April 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  115. "Docureeks 'Rode Helden' op Sporting Telenet" [Documentary series 'Red Heroes' on Sporting Telenet] (in Dutch). Telenet. 25 April 2014. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  116. "The Challenges". IAB Community. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  117. "Duiveluitdagingen stuwen Duivels naar Brazilië" [Devil Challenges push Devils to Brazil] (in Dutch). Sporza. 15 October 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  118. "Groot succes: 20.000 fans op eerste fandag Rode Duivels" [Great success: 20,000 fans on first fan day Red Devils]. Het Laatste Nieuws (in Dutch). 2 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  119. De Raedt, Kim; Louage, Lin (6 July 2014). "Rode Duivels bedanken 'beste supporters ter wereld' met fandag" [Red Devils thank 'best supporters in the world' with fan day]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  120. "Dance with the Devils op 17, 22 en 26 juni" [Dance with the Devils on 17, 22 and 26 June] (in Dutch). Sportpaleis. 14 February 2014. Archived from the original on 11 August 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  121. "Dance With The Devils" (in Dutch). Lotto Arena. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  122. "Frankrijk–België (0–1)" [France–Belgium (0–1)]. Twentsch dagblad Tubantia (in Dutch). 21 December 1914. Retrieved 23 July 2016 via Delpher.
  123. "Rond den Wedstrijd Holland – België" [About the game Holland – Belgium]. Bataviaasch Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 3 February 1941. Retrieved 11 June 2015 via Delpher.
  124. Garza, Adolfo (22 June 1998). "Bélgica en el alma" [Belgium in the soul]. La Nación (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  125. Colin, François (10 June 2011). "Retro. Ceulemans: 'Voor mij blijft EK 80 het hoogtepunt'" [Retro. Ceulemans: 'EC 80 is still the summit for me']. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  126. "Bied op de wedstrijdshirts van België-Frankrijk" [Place a bid on the match shirts of Belgium-France] (in Dutch). RBFA. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  127. "Goaaal! Voetbalaffiches" [Goaaal! Football posters] (in Dutch). RBFA. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  128. "European Action Week against discrimination in football to kick off next week". Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation. 8 October 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  129. Danvoye, Pierre (2 July 2013). "Mununga: 'Ik was te naïef'" [Mununga: 'I was too naive']. Sport/Voetbalmagazine (in Dutch). Roeselare: Roularta Media Group. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  130. "Les Diables contre le racisme" [The Devils against racism] (in French). RTBF. 11 October 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  131. vva (27 February 2018). "Rode Duivels strijden mee tegen homofoob geweld" [Red Devils join the fight against homophobic violence]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  132. "Den wedstrijd om den Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad-Beker" [The match for the Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad Cup]. Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 16 May 1905. Retrieved 17 May 2015 via Delpher.
  133. "Bob Madou doet duivelse marketingstrategie uit de doeken" [Bob Madou reveals devilish marketing strategy] (in Dutch). voka.be. 17 May 2016. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  134. Russell 1987, p. 129.
  135. mcu (6 February 2007). "Nieuwe mascotte voor Rode Duivels" [New mascot for Red Devils]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  136. "Fotocollectie – Evenals 74 jaar geleden speelt het Nederlands voetbalelftal a.s. woensdag tegen ..." [Photo collection – Just like 74 years ago the Dutch eleven play upcoming Wednesday against ...] (in Dutch). gahetNA (Genootschap voor het Nationaal Archief, het Nationaal Archief, Spaarnestad Photo). Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  137. "VIDEO: Nieuwe mascotte Rode Duivels uitgebroed, het is een... rode duivel" [VIDEO: New mascot Red Devils hatched, it is a ... red devil] (in Dutch). Sporza. 14 March 2018. Archived from the original on 3 June 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  138. "1895, een gigantisch succes" [1895, a gigantic success] (in Dutch). RBFA. 24 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  139. "Sport" [Sports]. Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). 26 February 1914. Retrieved 8 September 2015 via Delpher.
  140. Vranckx, F. (7 June 2013). "Ook koning Albert vanavond naar de Heizel" [King Albert also at the Heysel this evening]. Gazet van Antwerpen (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  141. "Rode Duivels staan op tegen Bosnië-Herzegovina" [Red Devils arise against Bosnia-Herzegovina] (in Dutch). Sporza. 3 September 2015. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  142. "België trakteert zijn helden op een volksfeest" [Belgium treats its heroes with a national feast] (in Dutch). Sporza. 20 June 2011. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  143. Luyten, Bennie (18 November 2004). "Ons voetballand is doodziek" [Our footballing nation is terminally ill] (in Dutch). sport.be.msn.com. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  144. "Advocaat laat Rode Duivels doodziek achter" [Advocaat leaves Red Devils terminally ill]. belgiumsoccer.be (in Dutch). 15 April 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  145. "De enige echte fan van België" [Belgium's only real fan]. Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). 5 October 2006. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  146. Vandewalle, Ludo (9 September 2009). "De eenzame Duivels-supporter" [The lonesome Devils supporter]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  147. "De Rode Duivels zien vanavond hun eerste tifo" [The Red Devils see their first tifo tonight] (in Dutch). Sporza. 6 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2013.
  148. Willems 2013.
  149. "Peiling: 'Rode Duivels raken tot in kwartfinales'" [Opinion poll: 'Red Devils reach the quarter finals']. voetbalnieuws.be (in Dutch). 17 October 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
  150. "Manneken Pis in WK-shirt Rode Duivels" [Manneken Pis in Red Devils WC shirt]. De Standaard (in Dutch). 7 March 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  151. Louage, Lin (13 June 2014). "Atomium-bol in zwart, geel en rood" [Atomium sphere in black, yellow and red]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  152. "Relations to the Netherlands – Belgium". Government of the Netherlands. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  153. "La France et la Belgique" [France and Belgium] (in French). France Diplomatie. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  154. "FIFA Tournaments – Compare Teams". FIFA. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  155. "De extra België-Holland-wedstrijd" [The extra Belgium-Holland game.]. Soerabaijasch Handelsblad (in Dutch). 26 April 1932. Retrieved 25 May 2015 via Delpher.
  156. Van Holland, Guus (11 December 1999). "De Rode Duivels" [The Red Devils]. NRC Handelsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  157. Stokkermans, Karel (6 March 2014). "The "match sympatique" [sic]". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  158. "Geschiedenis van de Rode Duivels" [History of the Red Devils] (in Dutch). Bel 2 Mundial. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  159. Verhaert, W. (5 May 2009). "Vercauteren interim-bondscoach Rode Duivels" [Vercauteren caretaker manager Red Devils]. Gazet Van Antwerpen (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  160. "Red Devils Staff". RBFA. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  161. "Thierry Henry joins Belgium coaching staff as assistant to Roberto Martínez". The Guardian. 26 August 2016. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
  162. Geypen, Diederik (31 August 2016). "Komst van Martinez heeft ook een directe invloed op Courtois, Mignolet en Sels: "Dit wordt een aanpassing voor iedereen"" [Arrival of Martinez also has a direct influence on Courtois, Mignolet and Sels: "This will be an adaptation for everyone"] (in Dutch). voetbalkrant.com. Archived from the original on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  163. "Globe Soccer Awards : le triplé pour le Barça, le doublé pour New York City" [Globe Soccer Awards: the triple for Barça, the double for New York City]. L'Équipe (in French). 27 December 2015. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
  164. Rainbow, Jamie (14 December 2012). "World Soccer Awards – previous winners". World Soccer. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
  165. "World Cup 1930 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  166. "World Cup 1934 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  167. "World Cup 1938 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  168. "Cools make it too hot for Spain". The Glasgow Herald. 16 June 1980. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  169. Matgen, Jean-Claude (27 January 2012). "Sinibaldi, le Béjart mauve" [Sinibaldi, the purple Béjart]. La Libre (in French). Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  170. De Bock 2013.
  171. "World Cup 1998 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  172. Vandewalle, Ludo (5 October 1999). "Behoudsgezinde bondscoach Robert Waseige verandert slechts uit noodzaak" [Conservative national manager Robert Waseige only changes out of necessity] (in Dutch). De Standaard. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  173. Vande Velde, Stéphane; Bilic, Pierre (8 October 2014). "Marc Wilmots wil sommige Rode Duivels meer vrijheid geven" [Marc Wilmots want to give some Red Devils more freedom]. Sport/Voetbalmagazine (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  174. "Wilmots: "Dominant en intelligent proberen te spelen"" [Wilmots: "Trying to play dominantly and intelligently"] (in Dutch). Sporza. 10 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
  175. "Martinez roept De Ketelaere voor het eerst op, ook Lukaku is erbij" [Martinez calls up De Ketelaere for the first time, Lukaku present as well] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
  176. "Geen Rode Duivels voor Eden Hazard? Hij test positief op coronavirus" [No Red Devils for Eden Hazard? Test positive for Corona virus] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  177. "Saelemaekers, Trossard en Van Crombrugge haken af voor Rode Duivels" [Saelemaekers, Trossard and Van Crombrugge drop out for Red Devils] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  178. "Ook Anderlecht-verdediger Hannes Delcroix sluit aan bij Rode Duivels" [Anderlecht-defender Hannes Delcroix also joins Red Devils] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  179. "Rode Duivels ontsnappen niet aan corona: Kaminski haakt af na positieve test" [Red Devils can't escape from Corona: Kaminski backs out after positive test] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  180. "Martinez trommelt Gaëtan Coucke op als vervanger voor Kaminski" [Martinez calls up Gaëtan Coucke as replacement for Kaminski] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  181. "Simon Mignolet verlaat Rode Duivels voor "welverdiende rust"" [Simon Mignolet leaves Red Devils for "well earned rest"] (in Dutch). sporza.be. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
  182. Stokkermans, Karel (24 July 2014). "Belgium – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF). Archived from the original on 21 January 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  183. "Olympic Football Tournament Antwerp 1920 – Belgium 3:1 (1:0) Spain – Overview". FIFA. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  184. "Olympic Football Tournament Antwerp 1920 – Belgium 2:0 (2:0) Czechoslovakia – Overview". FIFA. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  185. "Raymond Braine nog steeds België's voetbalgrootmeester" [Raymond Braine still Belgium's football grandmaster.]. De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 9 October 1941. Retrieved 13 June 2015 via Delpher.
  186. Murray 1998, p. 63.
  187. "Rik Coppens" (in Dutch). 29 April 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  188. "Van Himst en Anderlecht kapen de Gouden Schoen" [Van Himst and Anderlecht seize the Golden Shoe] (in Dutch). Sporza. 22 January 2014. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  189. Scholten, Berend (21 January 2011). "Belgium still bows to Van Himst". UEFA. Archived from the original on 7 November 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2014.
  190. Leme de Arruda, Marcelo (21 January 2000). "IFFHS' Players and Keepers of the Century for many countries". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2015.
  191. "World Cup 2018: England finish fourth after Belgium defeat". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  192. Pierrend, José Luis (22 June 2005). "European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1965". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  193. "Coppens: 'Als Paul zegt dat ik het was, dan heeft hij gelijk'" [Coppens: 'If Paul says it was me, then he is right'] (in Dutch). Sporza. 6 February 2015. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  194. "1972 team of the tournament". UEFA. 2 May 2011. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  195. Pierrend, José Luis (1 May 2005). "European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or") 1980". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  196. "FIFA Classic Player: Scifo, a Red Devil with divine gifts". FIFA. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  197. "Alan Pardew and Vincent Kompany's Premier League award". BBC Sport. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  198. "Belgium – V. Kompany". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  199. "De Bruyne is Speler van het Jaar volgens Duitse Journalisten" [De Bruyne is Player of the Year according to German journalists] (in Dutch). Sporza. 26 July 2015. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  200. "Eden Hazard can be the best Chelsea player in history". The Telegraph. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  201. "BETTER THAN MESSI Eden Hazard is the best player in the WORLD, claims Chelsea legend John Terry". Talk Sport. 5 August 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
  202. "Mourinho and Hazard scoop Barclays season awards". Premier League. 22 May 2015. Archived from the original on 26 May 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  203. "Belgium – E. Hazard". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  204. "For Belgium's 'Golden Generation,' 2018 World Cup Was Best (But Not Last) Shot At A Major Trophy". Forbes. 11 July 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  205. "World Cup 2018: England finish fourth after Belgium defeat". BBC Sport. 14 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  206. "Men's Ranking", FIFA, 24 October 2019, retrieved 18 November 2019
  207. Levy, Glen (18 May 2010). "Top 10 World Cup Games – 3. Belgium 4–3 USSR 1986". Time. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  208. vml (21 June 2014). "'Duivelsvloek' houdt al 28 jaar stand tegen Rusland, morgen ook?" ['Devil curse' already lasts for 28 years against Russia, tomorrow as well?]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  209. Edworthy 1997, pp. 138–139.
  210. Van Damme, Michaël (26 June 2010). "26 juni 1990: de dag dat de goden blind waren" [26 June 1990: the day the gods were blind]. Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  211. Witzig 2006, p. 167.
  212. "World Cup 1990 finals". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 21 April 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
  213. Buddenberg, Fred (4 July 1994). "Belgen furieus op Röthlisberger" [Belgians furious with Röthlisberger]. Trouw (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  214. Witzig 2006, p. 289.
  215. Bialik, Carl (10 July 2014). "U.S. vs. Belgium Was the Best Match of the World Cup So Far". FiveThirtyEight. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  216. "Official FIFA statistics, updated 5 July 2014" (PDF). FIFA. 5 July 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  217. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil – Matches – Argentina-Belgium – Live Statistics". FIFA. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  218. Rogers, Martin (6 July 2018). "Brazil's bizarre own-goal gives Belgium the lead". USA Today. Gannett. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  219. Wilson, Jonathan (6 July 2018). "Brazil knocked out of World Cup by Kevin De Bruyne and brilliant Belgium". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  220. Rogers, Martin (6 July 2018). "Belgium fights off Brazil's comeback to reach World Cup semifinals". USA Today. Gannett. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  221. "Five reasons why Hazard has reached new heights". FIFA. Gannett. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  222. Lisi 2007, p. 47.
  223. "Sportflitsen" [Sports flashes]. De Tijd (in Dutch). 14 March 1972. Retrieved 19 September 2015 via Delpher.
  224. "Belgium start with a bang". UEFA. 10 June 2000. Archived from the original on 5 January 2001. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  225. "Belgium ease to 3–0 victory vs. Rep. Ireland". ESPN FC. 18 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 June 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  226. "Hazard shines as Belgium thrash Hungary". ESPN FC. 26 June 2016. Archived from the original on 21 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  227. Stokkermans, Karel; Jönsson, Mikael (26 June 2008). "Games of the VIII. Olympiad – Football Tournament". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  228. Elbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (21 July 2011). "Games of the II. Olympiad – Football Tournament". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  229. "Games per date". RBFA. Archived from the original on 10 May 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
  230. "Benteke speeds into the record books". FIFA. 11 October 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2016.

Bibliography

Further reading

  • Aerts, Bart; Buyse, Frank; Colin, François; Cornez, Pierre; Decoster, Gilles; Deferme, Dirk; et al. (2013). De Rode Duivels. Het officiële boek [The Red Devils. The official book] (in Dutch). Veurne: Uitgeverij Kannibaal. ISBN 978-94-91376-66-5.
  • Colin, François (2014). De Rode Duivels 1900–2014 [The Red Devils 1900–2014] (in Dutch). Veurne: Uitgeverij Kannibaal. ISBN 978-94-91376-77-1.
  • Hubert, Christian (1994). De Montevideo à Orlando [From Montevideo to Orlando] (in French). Brussels: Labor. ISBN 978-2-8040-1009-6.
  • Hubert, Christian (2006). Le siècle des Diables Rouges [The century of the Red Devils] (in French). Brussels: Luc Pire. ISBN 978-2-87415-684-7.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.