In the build up to Euro 2016, ThatsMags.com will be profiling Euro 2016 Shanghai Fans from all 24 countries taking part in the tournament in France. Chugging Chouffe for the country currently ranked world number two, Les Diables Rouge, is a man who represents the red side of the Cafe de Stagiaires empire, Thomas de Bruyne.
Belgium, Group E
Opponents: Italy, Rep of Ireland & Sweden
Odds: 11/1
Greatest moment ever?
Coming soon… But the last one might be before I was born. At the World Cup in 1986, Belgium qualified for the semi-finals, beating Spain 5-4 in a penalty shootout. Another great moment for Belgium football was when a Brazilian cameraman stopped for a while on Belgium World Cup fan Axelle Despiergelaere (below). I reckon it was responsible for giving the strongest goose bumps to fans during a match of Belgium.
Greatest moment in Euros?
Back in 1980 Italy was hosting the Euros, but put in a disappointing performance. The only area England shone in was the rising problem of hooliganism (the England - Belgium game had to be halted by riot police). So don’t ask me how or why, but mussels and fries lovers had the chance to enjoy an inspirational Belgium performance, making it all the way to the final. We only lost to West Germany 2-1, and an agonozing Hrubesch goal two minutes from time (below).
Worst moment ever?
In 2002 Belgium faced eventual world cup winners Brazil. We lost 2-0, but only after Marc Wilmots’ headed opening goal was disallowed due to a 'phantom foul' on Roque Junior.
Worst moment in Euros?
In 2000, when Belgium and Holland co-hosted the event, Belgium couldn’t manage to pass the group stage. Moving on swiftly...
Where you and your countrymen (and women) will be watching it in Shanghai?
Belgian bar Cafe de Stagiaires, drinking Chouffe beer until I forget I have to be at work couple of hours later.
Song(s) the fans sing?
Waar is da feestje? Hier is da feestje! (Where is the party? Here is the party!)
Or
Stromae-Lecon 28: 'Ta Fête' (Hymne Red Devils)
Biggest rivals?
I would like to say the Netherlands, but not for this Euros. Instead it is France, Germany and Spain.
Star Man?
The one and only Kevin de Bruyne (above). He is unstoppable!
Putting things in order: He won the Belgian Championship at Genk with Thibaut Courtois. He goes to Chelsea who sell him on to Wolfsburg. He takes Wolfburg to second place in the Bundesliga, just behind Bayern Munich, and is elected 2015 Footballer of the Year in Germany. He also racked up the most assists in Europe, ahead of Messi, Fabregas and Ronaldo.
Manchester City buy him for €75 million, making him one of the most expensive players in history. But it was worth it when he scored against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final of the Champions League, the French team waving a white tissue to their semi-final place. So sad!
One to watch?
Hard to say between centre back Jason Denayer of Manchester City and Divock Origi of Liverpool, both young players born in 1995. I think most eyes will be on the young striker Origi. He can be very dangerous, using his powerful speed and capacity to getting through rivals. He is also very good at shooting from distance. [He certainly knows where the back off the net is, see below - Ed]
Bad Boy?
No bad boys in Belgium. And without Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery or Samir Nasri, I think we’re safe not bringing football to the front cover of People magazine.
Boy Blunder?
Difficult to say. Maybe winger Nacer Chadli of EPL club Tottenham Hotspur. He used to play international football for Morocco but switched to Belgium. Let’s see what he will do in this Euro…
Heart Throb?
Axel Witsel of Zenith Saint Petersburg. He plays center midfield for Belgium and he is the hot and sexy guy of the team (not too hard). Sorry ladies, he is already a happy father, married to Rafaella Szabo (pictured together above) - and she is not shy saying to the media that good sex the day before a match is crucial. Agree?
So what are your chances?
No dreams, only goals: Champions of Europe. October 2015, first in the FIFA Rankings (and current number two). Let’s do it! Go Red Devils Go!
Want to write about your country? Email us at editor@urbanatomy.com.
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