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| May 20, 2002 | Monday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1423 |
Belgium surprise champions
PARIS, May 19: World champions France handed their fans an unwelcome parting gift Saturday in the shape of a 2-1 defeat by neighbours Belgium.
It was their first home loss for three years and hardly the script they wanted as they head off to defend their World Cup crown.
But at least they were in good company on a night that saw a flurry of warmups around Europe.
Italy were another side to go down, losing 1-0 to the Czech Republic in Prague where a first half goal from Vladimir Smicer separated the teams.
However, Germany returned to winning ways with a 6-2 thrashing of Austria, Brazil enjoyed a 3-1 success over a Catalan select side in Barcelona, Poland beat Estonia 1-0 and Nigeria edged past Jamaica in London, also by 1-0.
The French were undone in the dying moments by captain Marc Wilmots, so long the inspiration of the Belgians but at 33 due to retire after the finals.
His key goal against the Czechs last November ensured Belgium’s ticket to the tournament and judging by Saturday’s winner there could be more to come yet.
A fine volley two minutes into injury time stunned the 80,000 fans and reminded the French that nothing can be taken for granted.
Germany’s handsome win over Austria came at a price with key midfielder Sebastian Deisler hurting his troublesome right knee again.
Before the game, an opinion poll found that only six percent of Germans believe the national team will add to the country’s three World Cup triumphs.
Conducted after Germany’s 1-0 loss to a Wales side ranked 96th in the world Tuesday, the poll found that 75 percent believe the team will fail to reach the quarter-finals.
Saturday night might just alter that perception with Miroslav Klose netting a fine hat trick.
In Barcelona, two pieces of cool finishing from Ronaldinho and a fine shot from Edmilson gave Brazil their 3-1 win over a battling Catalan regional select team.—Reuters
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