Football history is inundated with near misses, ifs and buts. The words could and should are prevalent in pubs and clubs where fans discuss the latest controversial incidents, and wonder how things didn’t go their way. On the 17th of June 2002 in Kobe, South Korea, fans of the Belgian national team approached their second round match against Brazil with fear and trepidation. After struggling to qualify out of a group comprising of Tunisia, Japan and Russia they were expecting to be humiliated and sent home. However it would turn out to be a game that they would never forget.

The Red Devils (a nickname penned by journalist Pierre Walkiers in 1906 after a famous victory over the Dutch) forced the world champions elect onto the back foot from the off with Mbo Mpenza forcing Marcos into an early save. The Belgians stifled Brazil for long periods, controlling the midfield and creating plenty of chances. In the 36th minute a cross came in from the right which was met brilliantly by Marc Wilmots and flew past Marcos into the goal. A nation rises to their feet. 1-0 to Belgium! Or so we thought. Unfortunately the referee Peter Prendergast didn’t agree and blew for a foul on Roque Junior. The stuffing was temporarily knocked out of them and less than a minute later the Brazilians nearly took the lead, when De Vlieger saved well at the feet of Ronaldo. In the second half the Brazilians class told (don’t forget this is when the players actually looked interested in playing for their country and there weren’t any «magic squares» to be seen) scoring twice through Ronaldo and Rivaldo, the chance had gone.

When interviewed after the game Marc Wilmots scorer of the disallowed «goal» said that the referee had come up to him at half time and apologised for his mistake. The goal should of stood but the Belgian captain playing in his last international took it in his stride. «Its hard to accept decisions like that but you just have to get on with the game.» Rarely in today’s game do we see a player react so well to such an error and although his side were expected to lose there would have been thoughts of what if…

The players came back to Belgium with their heads held high. Of course they had lost in the second round but they gave the Brazilians one hell of a fright something that a «superior» England team couldn’t do. Phil Scolari the Brazilian coach later mentioned (after they had won the tournament) that their second round match was the hardest they had to play. The team didn’t fall apart straight away but a world cup hangover ensued. A mass exodus of players and the resignation of manager Robert Waseige wasn’t solely to blame for the decline but obviously didn’t help matters. Over the next few years Belgium failed to qualify for Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 (the first time they failed to qualify for a world cup in 24 years.) However the qualifiers for Euro 2008 were a real struggle and although they were in a difficult group containing Portugal, Poland and Serbia they never looked like qualifying particularly after a 0-0 home draw with Kazakhstan in their opening game. The reputation built up through the 80’s and 90’s by world class players like Enzo Scifo, Jean Marie Pfaff and Eric Gerets was slowly fading away.

This however is the nice part. The part where I tell you that Belgium have since produced world class players will qualify for the next World Cup and win it. Of course I’m lying and should be committed for my own safety and all around me but before they find me I will say that the future is bright for the Belgians even after a few frankly awful years. There are two main reasons for this. The qualifying groups for the 2010 World Cup have recently been drawn Belgium somehow found themselves in the 3rd seeds pot (how I’m not quite sure considering they were 5th in their last qualifying group) and the draw could have been much, much worse. Granted the top seeds and obvious favourites for the group Spain have the best midfield in the world and possibly forward line. But as we know they are always susceptible to an early defeat particularly away from home and have an distinctly average defence (I know your probably thinking what about Carlos Puyol? he’s the Spanish John Terry.) The second seeds Turkey are a decent side but quite a few players are expected to retire after Euro 2008 which might mean that the qualifiers for 2010 may prove to be a rebuilding exercise. However they will still be a tough nut to crack particularly at home. The other countries in Group 5 are Bosnia, Armenia and Estonia. These sides will be looking to get one over the higher seeds this however shouldn’t happen because of reason 2. The players. In particular the youngsters.

There are a few that you will already know and others that you will soon hear about. Players like Vincent Kompany – Hamburg, Anthony Van den Borre – Fiorentina, Tom de Mul – Sevilla, Steven Defour – Lierse and the pair at AZ Maarten Martens and Moussa Dembele. Young, hungry and ambitious players (not to mention sought after Kompany and Dembele both attracting the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid) who have all featured in sides playing in the Uefa cup or Champions league this season. Adding a couple of experienced heads into the equation like Daniel van Buyten – Bayern Munich & Timmy Simons – PSV and you have yourselves the making of a decent side. If they have a decent start, few injuries & a bit of luck on the way Belgium could/should qualify for their first tournament in 8 years and get those fans talking again.