By Samindra Kunti
October 14 – Last night Belgium’s ascendency to the top of world football culminated in an unprecedented number one spot on the FIFA ranking with a 3-1 win over Israel in Brussels. The result also ensured Belgium will be seeded at the EURO2016’s final draw in the French capital in December. In November the Red Devils will face Italy in Kuwait in a friendly.
At a packed King Baudoin Stadium Belgium failed to impress in their final qualifier against an Israeli side who sat deep, defended in block and lurked on the counterattack. The hosts dominated possession, but struggled to score, a nagging problem throughout the qualification campaign.
Eran Zahavi curled a free kick against the post after 20 minutes. Belgium responded when Dries Mertens squandered a guild-edged chance in front of the goalmouth. Just after the hour mark Mertens broke the deadlock with a low finish, 1-0. Goals from Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard sealed Belgium’s win before Tomer Hemed pulled back a late consolation goal for the visitors.
The hard-fought victory lifted Belgium to top spot on the FIFA-ranking for the first time in history. In June 2007, a hundred months ago, Belgium were ranked just 71st and lost 2-0 to Finland. When the next FIFA ranking will be published on November 5, Belgium will join an elite group of countries who have held the number one rank in the past. Germany, Brazil, Italy, France, Argentina and Spain though have all won the World Cup.
Holland’s elimination by the Czech Republic also means Belgium will be seeded when the final draw for next year’s European championships in France is made. The Red Devils were in a dogfight with Portugal and The Netherlands for just two seeded positions, but the Dutch lost 2-3 to the Czechs in Amsterdam to end their faint hopes of securing a play-off spot.
Belgium’s remarkable high profile entails a right to seek out strong sparring partners and money-spinning opportunities. In November the Belgians will square off with Italy and Spain in international friendlies.
The game with Italy has come under scrutiny after it emerged that Kuwait will host the match. The Belgian FA KBVB will bag about €600,000 for the game from football agency Matchmaker, who have organised the game at Kuwait City’s Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium on November 13. The Kuwaiti government will cover transport and accommodation costs for both Belgium and Italy.
Four days later, Belgium host defending European champions Spain in Brussels.
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