MMB

Great weekend for Club Brugge. They won, Anderlecht drawed (just barely!) and Standard lost.


Zulte-Waregem only exists for it's second year now. Two seasons ago the clubs Zulte & Waregem had a fusion into 1 team. In their first year (last season) they immediately took first place in the second division.
The reason why they play so well is because they maintain one system. They always play in the same formation, with the same players. Nearly all players are semi-professionals. This means that during the week they have a normal job, they train in the evening and play matches during the weekends. They're all very determined. No superstars, no cocky bastards. But all hard working players and coaches with a lot of heart and passion for the game. Football is not their job, it's their passion, their hobby!

Also, they're STILL underestimated by most teams. But that's not their fault!


They're having a fantastic season.

DrTagnian

It's nice to read their story. It's like the way Football was in the 50's ... people play Football during the weekend, but still have a normal job.



Maybe Ajax & Danny Blind should take a look in Belgium then, 'cause Ajax are playing another system every week. You're never too old to learn. Do you think Zulte-Waregem are able to qualify for European Football?

MMB

True, it's nostalgic.



Zulte-Waregem has had the luck of no severe injuries thusfar. It helps playing the same system over and over.

Yes, there's a (small) chance they qualify for European football. However it will be very hard to grab one of the first three places with Genk, Standard, Anderlecht and Club Brugge still around!
I'd say they have more chances at winning European football through the cup competition.

MMB

Racing Genk midfielder Sunday Oliseh (former player of Ajax and Dortmund) decided to retire today at the age of 31.

In today's interviews he said that after 16 seasons of professional football, he lost his passion for the game. Therefore he has no reason/desire to continue any further.


Quite a blow for Genk who still isn't counted out for the championship.

DrTagnian

I remember Oliseh, partly because of his "Roberto Carlos free kick".

MMB

He had an awesome career. Too bad it ends without a prize or any glory.

It's his decision though, I just hope he won't regret it later.

DrTagnian

We're past the 1st half of the season and look at the top 3:

1. Standard. 38
2. Club Brugge. 38
3. Anderlecht. 37

It's been a while since it was this exciting.

MMB

It's been a real good season thusfar!

Excitement on top and below in the unfavored regions!



Belgian Cup 1/4 finals first leg:


Moeskroen - Beveren: 0-0

Sint-Truiden - Charleroi: 0-0

Zulte Waregem - Westerlo: 3-0

Gent - Standard: 2-1

DrTagnian

Friday 27th January
GBA 2-0 Anderlecht

The first surprise of the weekend is a fact.

MMB

Damn, Anderlecht is really on a roll lately:


La Louvière - Anderlecht: 0-0
Anderlecht - Cercle Brugge: 2-2
GBA - Anderlecht: 2-0







Gert-Jan, honestly, if you would have seen how they're playing the last couple of weeks, you WOULD NOT call it 'a surprise' anymore