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Monday, June 26, 2017

Qualification Phase, Part Six (Belgium 1982 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers)

Guy Thys had been appointed as Belgium Manager in 1976 replacing Raymond Goethals with the task of rebuilding the National side.
Although he was unable to achieve World Cup qualification for the 1978 Edition, Thys did manage to help Belgium qualify for the 1980 UEFA European Championships. They became the surprise of that Tournament by reaching the Final and only losing to West Germany.

Photo From: Foot Magazine, March 1982
(Belgium Manager Guy Thys)


Thys’ masterstroke had been to convince veteran Wilfried van Moer to come out of International retirement in 1979.
His guidance and organizing skills were helpful in the team’s improvement. Thys’ tactics (4-4-2) revolved around the offside trap in a defense consisting of eccentric goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff and the Standard Liege trio of Eric Gerets, Walter Meeuws and Michel Renquin.
The other key elements of the squad were Rene vandereycken and Ludo Coeck in midfield and the twin strike force of Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge) and (the 1979/80 Soulier d’Or) Erwin vandenbergh of SK Liesre.
Despite their strong showing in the 1980 Euros, the Belgians road to World Cup 1982 qualification seemed difficult.
They were grouped with eternal rivals Holland, the emerging France led by Michel Platini and the Republic of Ireland. Cyprus rounded out the group as the weakest team.
Holland had blocked Belgium’s path to the World Cup for the previous two editions (1974, 1978), but Holland were now in a decline and no longer the power they had been in the 70s.

Belgium’s World Cup qualifiers started in Dublin vs. the Republic of Ireland on October 15th, 1980.
Despite being the away team, Belgium were in general control of the match and took the lead in the 13th minute. Erwin vandenbergh’s pass was headed by van Moer towards Cluytens, who forced Gerry Peyton wide and scored from a narrow angle.
Just before halftime, Ireland’s star Liam Brady set up Grealish for an equalizer.
Belgium held on for the rest of the match and earned a valuable away point against one of the Group rivals.
Michel De Wolf made his debut for Belgium as a late substitute for Luc Millecamps.


Photo From:  Onze, Issue 70, October 1981
(Rene Vandereycken and Liam Brady, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

Photo From:  Onze, Issue 59, November 1980
(Albert Cluytens scoring, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

Photo From:  Onze, Issue 59, November 1980
(Team captains, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)


Photo From:  Onze, Issue 62, February 1981
(Belgium squad, Top, left to right: Luc Millecamps,  Walter Meeuws, Jean-Marie Pfaff,  Ludo Coeck, Erwin Vandenbergh,Rene Vandereycken , Bottom, left to right: Albert Cluytens, Wilfred van Moer, Eric Gerets, Michel Renquin, Jan Ceulemans, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)


Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 8, November 1980
(Chris Hughton and Albert Cluytens, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

The following month on November 19th, 1980, the Belgians hosted their Dutch rivals in Brussels.
The match was only settled by a penalty kick in the 48th minute. The spot kick had been awarded after Willy van der Kerkhof had fouled Rene vandereycken in the box and vandenbergh scored the winner.
It had been a violent and physical match riddled with fouls and bookings (Gerets and van Moer for Belgium and Hovenkamp and Peters for Holland).
It was reported that Belgium defender Michel Renquin even lost a tooth.
The unfortunate Renquin stated after the match that he hoped qualification would already have been achieved by the following year when they travel to Rotterdam as he feared an even worse reception.
The win had been a psychological and confidence-boosting victory, as the Dutch jinx appeared to be over.


Photo From:  Onze, Issue 70, October 1981
(November 19, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Holland 0)


Photo From:  Rode Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf Willems, Matty Verkamman, 2001
(November 19, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Holland 0)


Photo From:  Onze, Issue 61, January 1981
(Jan Ceulemans, November 19, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Holland 0)

Photo From:  Onze, Hors Serie 12, 1982
(Albert Cluytens, November 19, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Holland 0)

Belgium rounded out the year with a predictable win over Cyprus on December 21st, 1980 at Nicosia with goals by vandenbergh and Ceulemans (2-0).
Belgium were missing Renquin and Coeck did not start. In their place, Gerald Plessers and Raymond Mommens made their debuts in the qualifiers.
In the new year (1981) Belgium featured a new kit made by Admiral. Their first match with the new jerseys was once again vs. Cyprus at Brussels on February 18th, 1981.
Belgium had been expected to give Cyprus a beating at home but were met with surprising resistance from the Cypriots. The absence of van Moer due to injury would hamper Belgium. They took a quick (2-0) lead through goals by Plessers and vandenbergh. Just before halftime, Stefanos Lyssandrou pulled a goal back for Cyprus and in the 60th minute, Fivos Vrahimis tied the match.
Jan Ceulemans scored the winner in the 67th minute to give Belgium a narow (3-2) win.

Photo From: Kicker_Wm-Sonderheft_1982
(Belgium squad, Top, left to right: Jean-Marie Pfaff , Albert Cluytens , Jan Ceulemans, Erwin Vandenbergh, Ludo Coeck, Rene Vandereycken  ,  Bottom, left to right:  Michel Renquin,Willy Wellens, Raymond Mommens, Eric Gerets, Gerard Plessers  , February 18, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 3-Cyprus 2)


Photo From: 82 – Coop
(Erwin vandenbergh, February 18, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 3-Cyprus 2)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 13, April 1981
(Albert Cluytens, February 18, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 3-Cyprus 2)



On March 25th, 1981, Belgium hosted Republic of Ireland at Brussels in a match played under heavy rain.
In addition to the injured van Moer, Belgium were missing suspended goalkeeper Pfaff. Michel Preud’homme started for Belgium in only his second International match.
Belgium were better but won (1-0) with the refereeing decisions under scrutiny.
Raul Joaquim Fernandes Nazarre , the Portuguese Referee, ruled out a seemingly valid Irish goal.
Liam Brady, on a free kick, had crossed for Frank Stapelton who scored. However, the goal was ruled out because on the play, the Referee had backed into a Belgian player who had fallen.
Nazarre did not give a reason afterwards as to why he had invalidated the goal but it was assumed it was because of the foul (by himself) on the Belgian player.
The Belgians scored the winner under controversial circumstances in the 87th minute. Eric Gerets clearly dived to earn a free kick outside of the box. René vandereycken’s free kick struck the bar and went up in the air and Ceulemans climbed over players to head in the winner (1-0).
After the final whistle, Irish Manager Eion Hand confronted the Referee and later described him as “a disgrace and cheat”. Many observers felt a draw would have been a fair result. In any case Belgium were now on the driver’s seat and took leadership of the Group for the first time. They had earned 9 out of 10 points with four wins and a tie in five matches.


Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Belgium squad, Top, left to right: Rene Vandereycken , Erwin Vandenbergh, Walter Meeuws, Michel Preud’Homme, Luc Millecamps , Bottom, left to right:  Ludo Coeck , Michel Renquin, Eric Gerets, Raymond Mommens,  Albert Cluytens, Jan Ceulemans  , March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Republic of Ireland 0)


Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 2, May 1981
(Belgium’s goal, March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Republic of Ireland 0)


Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 14, May 1981
(Rene Vandereycken and Liam Brady, March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Republic of Ireland 0)



On April 29th, 1981, France hosted Belgium in Paris. France were missing the injured midfield duo of Michel Platini and Jean-Francois Larios.
Belgium were still missing the suspended Pfaff and van Moer had just returned from injury and was from fit.
In addition Cluytens and vandereycken appeared tired as the match wore on.
For France Manager Michel Hidalgo, this was life or death match for France who desperately needed a result.
The Belgians took the lead in the 5th minute. From the left side, Vercauteren sent in a long cross that was volleyed in by vandenbergh (very similar to the goal that he would score the following year vs. Argentina in the World Cup 1982 opening Match).
France tied the match in the 14th minute. Bernard Genghini’s free kick struck the cross bar and Gerard Soler headed in the rebound.
Just a few minutes later, in the 17th minute, Belgium were further weakened with the injury and the substitution of Luc Millecamps.
From the opening minute, the Belgian defender had been fouling Dominique Rocheteau, who in turn had fouled him back. Millecamps was replaced with De Wolf, earning his second cap (once again as a substitute).


Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 3, June 1981
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 3, June 1981
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 3, June 1981
(Team captains Christian Lopez and Wilfred van Moer, April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

In the 26th minute, France took the lead. Tigana passed to Rocheteau in the right wing who crossed for Didier Six to tap home.
In the 31st minute, France scored the third goal. Tigana sent Soler through, whose shot from a narrow angle struck Preud’homme before going in.
Belgium scored another goal, early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, van Moer lobbed a ball in the box for Ceulemans, who trapped and headed up and shot past Dropsy. They were some appeals for offside but the goal stood.
Belgium would also lose Vercauteren to injury in the 65th minute (replaced by Rene Verheyn).
Wilfried van Moer’s poor form was called into question as Belgium lost for the first time in the qualifiers. However, Thys defended van Moer against critics and emphasized his importance.

Photo From: Onze, Issue 65, May 1981
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 15, June 1981
(Wilfred van Moer and Bernard Genghini, April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)



Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 3, June 1981
(Alain Giresse and Wilfred van Moer, April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)


The Belgians were to host the French in Brussels on September 9th, 1981.
Thys had insisted that they would win their ticket for the World Cup in Brussels and not in Rotterdam (the following month).
For Thys the situations had been reversed from the match in April. Now they had to win while France would be satisfied with a tie.
France had Platini back in the lineup and Hidalgo would surprisingly line him up as a striker. Hidalgo had also decided to start with the debutant Pierrick Hiard as goalkeeepr (ahead of Dominique Dropsy) and Phillipe Mahut also earned his debut in defense as stopper.
France were also weakened by the absences of Tigana and Rocheteau.
Belgium had Pfaff back in the lineup, but were missing Eric Gerets in defense. Marc Baecke was called up as a repalcement.
In the summer, Michel Renquin had left Standard Liege and joined Anderlecht. However, he was struggling at his new club, but Thys kept faith with him and started him.
Thys also gave a debut to Antwerp forward Alexandre Czerniatynski.
Thys placed Ceulemans in a more withdrawn position to act as a constant pressure on the French defense. This seemed to confuse the French defense and the French also appareaed ill at ease with Belgium’s offside trap tactics.


Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 9, January 1982
(Franie Vercauteren, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 13, 1982
(September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


Photo From: Sport Illustrierte
(Belgium squad, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


Belgium took the lead in the 24th minute. Vercauteren’s crossed from the left and the debutant Czerniatynski tapped in from close range.
Belgium sealed the win in the 83rd minute. Czerniatynski‘s cross from the left found van Moer at the edge of the box. He laid it on for vandenbergh to score from outside the box.
Belgium earned its first World Cup qualification since 1970 with the win and became the first European Nation (apart from hosts Spain) to qualify for the Finals.
After this match van Moer stated that he was retiring now that Belgium had qualified.


Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 13, 1982
(September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 58, January 1985
(Yannick Stopyra and Luc Millecamps, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 19, October 1981
(Erwin vandenbergh and Christian Lopez, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


Photo From: Mondial, New Series, Hors Serie 13, 1982
(Erwin vandenbergh, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


The final qualifier vs. Holland on October 14th, 1981 at Rotterdam was now a formality and only mattered for the Dutch who still had a slim chance to qualify (though ultimately unsuccessful).
The Dutch called up Johann Neeskens from New York Cosmos for this important match and started with Hans van Breukelen in goal (deputizing for the off-form Piet Schrijvers).
Surprisingly Kees Rijvers, the Dutch Manager, did not call up Belgian based players such as Simon Tahamata, Johnny Dusbaba and Arie Haan.
Eric Gerets was back in for Belgium and Captain as van Moer had ‘retired.’
Other key players such as Coeck, vandenbergh and Ceulemans were also rested.
Marc Millecamps (brother of Luc) was selected as van Moer’s replacement.
Edouard Snelders was also given a debut and Czerniatynski and Voordeckers started upfront.
The Dutch with more at stake attacked from the start and took the lead in the 5th minute through Johnny Metgod.
Cees Van Kooten doubled the lead in the 26th minute.
Belgium were further weakened with the sending off of Walter Meeuws in the 39th minute (his second booking) following a foul on Metgod.
Rene vandereycken moved to cover his position. The Dutch scored their third in the 54th minute through Ruud Geels for a resounding (3-0) win.


Photo From: Rode Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf Willems, Matty Verkamman
(Michel Renquin and Johann Neeskens, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)

Photo From: World Soccer , March 1982
(Johnny Rep and Alex Czerniatinski, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)

Photo From: de Internationals, de Historie van Oranje, Authors Matty Verkamman, Henri van der Steen, John Volkers
(Ruud Geels celebrating, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)



Photo From: World Soccer , December 1981
(Belgium squad, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)


Thys had more or less a settled squad with only the retirement of van Moer to contend with. He had wanted to integrate Anderlecht’s Spanish-born star Juan Lozano as a prospective replacement, but his naturalization process did not come through and Thys would be forced to recall the 37-year-old van Moer for the World Cup.
Rene vandereycken would also be lost to injury just prior to departure to Spain.
Belgium would surprise most observers in the World Cup after defeating defending Champions Argentina in the opener with a vandenbergh strike.
They would qualify for the second round in a group containing Hungary and El Salvador in addition to Argentina.
In the second round, they would succumb to a Zbigniew Boniek hat trick in a loss (0-3) to Poland, followed by a loss to USSR (0-1).
In this second round, they were without Pfaff, who had been suspended by Thys due to his antics, but that is another story.

For more detail on the Juan Lozano option, see:
http://soccernostalgia.blogspot.com/2012/08/juan-lozano-best-player-youve-never.html



1982 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers- UEFA-Group 2



March 26, 1980  (Nicosia, Cyprus 2-Republic of Ireland 3)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
1
1
0
0
3
2
1
2
2
Cyprus
1
0
0
1
2
3
-1
0
3
Belgium
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
France
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
Holland
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


September 10, 1980  (Dublin, Republic of Ireland 2-Holland 1)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
2
2
0
0
5
3
2
4
2
Cyprus
1
0
0
1
2
3
-1
0
3
Holland
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
4
Belgium
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
France
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


October 11, 1980  (Limassol, Cyprus 0-France 7)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
2
2
0
0
5
3
2
4
2
France
1
1
0
0
7
0
7
2
3
Holland
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
4
Cyprus
2
0
0
2
2
10
-8
0
5
Belgium
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Date: October 15, 1980
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1
Venue: Dublin Lansdowne Road 
Attendance: 40,000
Referee: Norbert Rolles (Luxembourg) 
Goalscorers:
(Republic of Ireland): Tony Grealish 42nd
(Belgium): Albert Cluytens 13th
Lineups:
Republic of Ireland:
Gerald Joseph Peyton (Fulham Football Club-London / England)
David Francis Langan  (Birmingham City Football Club / England)
Mark Thomas Lawrenson (Brighton Hove and Albion Football Club / England)
Kevin Bernard Moran (Manchester United Football Club / England)
Christopher William Gerard Hughton (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club-London / England)
Gerard Anthony ‘Gery’ Daly (Derby County Football Club / England)
Anthony Patrick Grealish  (Luton Town Football Club / England)
William ‘Liam’ Brady (captain) (Juventus Football Club-Torino / Italy) 
Stephen Derek Heighway (Liverpool Football Club / England)
Daniel Joseph ‘Don’ Givens (Birmingham City Football Club / England) (Paul Gerard McGee (Preston North End Football Club / England) 75th)
Francis Anthony ‘Frank’ Stapleton (Arsenal Football Club-London / England)

Coach: Eoin Kevin Joseph Colin Hand

Team Captain: William ‘Liam’ Brady
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: Green Shirts, White Shorts, Green Socks

Belgium:
1-Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
2-Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)          (13- Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek) 88th)
4- Walter Meeuws (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
5- Michel Renquin (Royal Standard de Liege)
6-Wilfred van Moer (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)(14-Jozef Heylingen (Koninklijke Waterschei Sportvereniging Thor Genk) 84th)
7- Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
8-Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
9- Albert Cluytens (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
10- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)    
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Other Substitutes:
12- Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
15- Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
16-Eddy Voordeckers (Royal Standard de Liege)

Team Captain: Wilfred van Moer
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks
 
Photo From:  Onze, Issue 69, September 1981
(October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)


Photo From:  Ireland, The Quest for the World Cup, Author Clive Leatherdale
(Liam Brady and Wilfred van Moer, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

Photo From:  Ireland on the Ball, Author Donal Cullen
(October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

Photo From:  Onze, Issue 69, September 1981
(Liam Brady, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

Photo From:  Onze, Hors Serie 12, 1982
(Belgium squad, Top, left to right: Luc Millecamps,  Walter Meeuws, Jean-Marie Pfaff,  Ludo Coeck, Erwin Vandenbergh,Rene Vandereycken , Bottom, left to right: Albert Cluytens, Wilfred van Moer, Eric Gerets, Michel Renquin, Jan Ceulemans, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)

Photo From:  Foot Magazine, Issue 2, May 1981
(Belgium squad, Top, left to right: Luc Millecamps,  Walter Meeuws, Jean-Marie Pfaff,  Ludo Coeck, Erwin Vandenbergh,Rene Vandereycken , Bottom, left to right: Albert Cluytens, Wilfred van Moer, Eric Gerets, Michel Renquin, Jan Ceulemans, October 15, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Republic of Ireland 1-Belgium 1)


Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
3
2
1
0
6
4
2
5
2
France
1
1
0
0
7
0
7
2
3
Belgium
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
4
Holland
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
5
Cyprus
2
0
0
2
2
10
-8
0


October 28, 1980  (Paris, France 2-Republic of Ireland 0)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
4
2
1
1
6
6
0
5
2
France
2
2
0
0
9
0
9
4
3
Belgium
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1
4
Holland
1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
5
Cyprus
2
0
0
2
2
10
-8
0

November 19, 1980  (Dublin, Republic of Ireland 6-Cyprus 0)




Date: November 19, 1980
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Belgium 1-Holland 0
Venue: Bruxelles-Stade du Heysel  (Brussels- Heizelstadion)
Attendance: 57,675
Referee: Eldar Azim-Zade (USSR)
Goalscorers:
(Belgium): Erwin Vandenbergh 48th pen
(Holland): None
Lineups:
Belgium:
1-Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
2-Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)   
4- Walter Meeuws (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
5- Michel Renquin (Royal Standard de Liege)
6-Wilfred van Moer  (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)               
7- Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
8-Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)      
9- Albert Cluytens (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
10- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)    
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Booked: Eric Gerets, Wilfred Van Moer
Other Substitutes:
12- Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
13- Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)
14- Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
15-Eddy Voordeckers (Royal Standard de Liege)
16- Willy Wellens (Royal Standard de Liege)

Team Captain: Wilfred van Moer
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks


Holland:
1-Willem Petrus ‘Pim’ Doesburg (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven)
2-Huibertus Johannes Nicolaas ‘Ben’ Wijnstekers (Feyenoord Rotterdam)  (14-Johannes Antonius Bernardus ‘John’ Metgod (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar) 26th)
5-Rudolf Jozef ‘Ruud’ Krol  (Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli / Italy)
3-Ernestus Wilhelmus Johannes ‘Ernie’ Brandts (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven) 
4-Hugo Harmanus Hovenkamp (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar)     
8-Johannes Wilhelmus ‘Jan’ Peters  (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar)
7-Wilhelmus Antonius ‘Willy’ van de Kerkhof  (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven)  
6-Michaël Antonius Bernardus ‘Michel’ van de Korput (Torino Calcio 1906 / Italy)
11-Simon Melkianus Tahamata  (Royal Standard de Liege / Belgium)
10-Cornelis Thomas Henri Maria ‘Pier’ Tol (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar)   (12-Reinier Lambertus ‘René’ van de Kerkhof (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven) 30th)
9-Cornelis 'Kees' Kist (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar) 

Coach: Jan Zwartkruis
Booked: Hugo Hovenkamp, Jan Peters
Other Substitutes:
Johannes Franciscus ‘Hans’ van Breukelen (Football Club Utrecht)
Ronald Spelbos (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar) 
Petrus Heinrich Gerardus ‘Pierre’ Vermeulen   (Feyenoord Rotterdam)  

Team Captain: Ruud Krol
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: Orange Shirts, White Shorts, Orange Socks


Photo From:  Rode Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf Willems, Matty Verkamman, 2001
(November 19, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Holland 0)

Photo From:  Rode Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf Willems, Matty Verkamman, 2001
(November 19, 1980, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Holland 0)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
5
3
1
1
12
6
6
7
2
France
2
2
0
0
9
0
9
4
3
Belgium
2
1
1
0
2
1
0
3
4
Holland
2
0
0
2
1
3
-2
0
5
Cyprus
3
0
0
3
2
16
-14
0






Date: December 21, 1980
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Cyprus 0-Belgium 2
Venue: Levkosia (Nicosia)-Makarion Athlítiko Kentro (Bishop Makarios Stadium)
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Robert Valentine (Scotland)
Goalscorers:
(Cyprus): None
(Belgium): Erwin Vandenbergh 30th, Jan Ceulemans 68th
Lineups:
Cyprus:
Andreas Constantinou II (AEL (Athlitikí Énosi Lemésou) –Lemesos (Limassol))
Nicos Patikkis (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Costas Miamiliotis (APOEL (Athlitikos Podosfairikos Omilos Ellinos Levkosías) Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Stefanos Lysandrou (Athlitikós Sýllogos Anórthosis Ammochostou (Famagusta))
Klitos Erotokritou (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Nicos Pantziaras  (APOEL (Athlitikos Podosfairikos Omilos Ellinos Levkosías) Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Yiannakis Yiangoudakis (Apollon Football Club Lemessos (Limassol))
Christakis Mavris (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia)) (Georghios Petrou (APOEL (Athlitikos Podosfairikos Omilos Ellinos Levkosías) Lefkosia (Nicosia))  )
Sotiris Kaiafas (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia)) (Filippos Dimitriou (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia)) 70th)
Loizos Mavroudes (AEL (Athlitikí Énosi Lemésou) –Lemesos (Limassol))
Andros Miamiliotis (APOEL (Athlitikos Podosfairikos Omilos Ellinos Levkosías) Lefkosia (Nicosia))

Coach: Costas Talianos

Note:
Some sources show the following substitution
Mavris replaced by (Loukis Louka (Enosi Neon Paralimniou-Paralimni) 72nd)
Kaiakas replaced by (Walter Kostas Veris (Apollon Limassol) 63rd)

Team Captain: Nicos Pantziaras
Official Kit Supplier/Designer:
Uniform Colors:

Belgium:
1-Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
2-Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)   
4- Walter Meeuws (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
5- Gerald Plessers (Royal Standard de Liege) (14-Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) 72nd)       
6- Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
7- Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
8-Wilfred van Moer  (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
9- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)
10- Albert Cluytens  (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren) (15-Eddy Voordeckers (Royal Standard de Liege) 78th)
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Other Substitutes:
12- Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
13- Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)
16- Willy Wellens (Royal Standard de Liege)

Team Captain: Wilfred van Moer
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors:



Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
5
3
1
1
12
6
6
7
2
Belgium
3
2
1
0
4
1
0
5
3
France
2
2
0
0
9
0
9
4
4
Holland
2
0
0
2
1
3
-2
0
5
Cyprus
4
0
0
4
2
18
-16
0





Date: February 18, 1981
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Belgium 3-Cyprus 2
Venue: Bruxelles-Stade du Heysel  (Brussels- Heizelstadion)
Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Arto Ravander (Finland)
Goalscorers:
(Belgium): Gerard Plessers 13th, Erwin Vandenbergh 18th, Jan Ceulemans 67th
(Cyprus): Stefanos Lyssandrou 42nd, Fivos Vrahimis 60th  
Lineups:
Belgium:
1-Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)     
2-Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege)
3- Michel Renquin (Royal Standard de Liege)
4- Albert Cluytens (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)(15- Frank Vercauteren (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) 72nd)
5- Gerard Plessers (Royal Standard de Liege) (16-Eddy Voordeckers (Royal Standard de Liege) 72nd)
6- Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
7- Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
8- Willy Wellens (Royal Standard de Liege)
9- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)
10-Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)      
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Other Substitutes:
12- Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
13- Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)
14-Marc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)

Team Captain: Eric Gerets
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks


Cyprus:
Andreas Constantinou II (AEL (Athlitikí Énosi Lemésou) –Lemesos (Limassol))
Loukis Louka (Enosi Neon Paralimniou-Paralimni)  
Klitos Erotokritou (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Stefanos Lysandrou (Athlitikós Sýllogos Anórthosis Ammochostou (Famagusta))
Toumazos Toumazou (Athlitikós Sýllogos Anórthosis Ammochostou (Famagusta))
Nicos Pantziaras  (APOEL (Athlitikos Podosfairikos Omilos Ellinos Levkosías) Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Andros Miamiliotis (APOEL (Athlitikos Podosfairikos Omilos Ellinos Levkosías)   Lefkosia (Nicosia)) (Marios Tsingis (Aris Lemessos (Aris Football Club- Limassol)) 85th)
Filippos Dimitriou (Athlitikos Sillogos Omónoia Leukosías-Lefkosia (Nicosia))
Fivos Vrachimis (Athlitikós Sýllogos Anórthosis Ammochostou (Famagusta))
Fanis Theofanous (Pezoporikós Ómilos Lárnakas-Larnax(Larnaca)) (Chrysanthos Lagos (Athlitikí Énosi Olympiakos Lefkosias (Nicosia)) 85th)
Yiannakis Yiangoudakis (Apollonas Lemesou- Lemessos (Limassol) 

Coach: Costas Talianos

Team Captain: Nicos Pantziaras
Official Kit Supplier/Designer:
Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks


Photo From: World Soccer , April 1981
(February 18, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 3-Cyprus 2)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 14, May 1981
(Erwin vandenbergh, February 18, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 3-Cyprus 2)


Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
5
3
1
1
12
6
6
7
2
Belgium
4
3
1
0
7
3
0
7
3
France
2
2
0
0
9
0
9
4
4
Holland
2
0
0
2
1
3
-2
0
5
Cyprus
5
0
0
5
4
21
-17
0



February 22, 1981  (Groningen, Holland 3-Cyprus 0)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Republic of Ireland
5
3
1
1
12
6
6
7
2
Belgium
4
3
1
0
7
3
0
7
3
France
2
2
0
0
9
0
9
4
4
Holland
3
1
0
2
4
3
1
2
5
Cyprus
6
0
0
6
4
24
-20
0


March 25, 1981  (Rotterdam, Holland 1-France 0)


Date: March 25, 1981
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Belgium 1-Republic of Ireland 0
Venue: Bruxelles-Stade du Heysel  (Brussels- Heizelstadion)
Attendance: 37,978
Referee: Raul Joaquim Fernandes Nazarre (Portugal)
Goalscorers:
(Belgium): Jan Ceulemans 87th
(Republic of Ireland): None  
Lineups:
Belgium:
1-Michel Preud’Homme(Standard Liege)
2- Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)   
4- Walter Meeuws (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
5- Michel Renquin (Royal Standard de Liege)
6- Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren) (15- Frank Vercauteren (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) 85th)
7- Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
8- Albert Cluytens (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
9- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)
10-Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)  (16- Willy Wellens (Royal Standard de Liege) 76th)
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Other Substitutes:
12- Jacques Munaron (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
13- Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)
14-Marc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)
17-Maurice de Schrijver (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)

Team Captain: Eric Gerets
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks


Republic of Ireland:
1-James Martin  ‘Seamus’ McDonagh (Everton Football Club-Liverpool / England)
2-David Francis Langan (Birmingham City Football Club / England)
4-Michael Paul ‘Mick’ Martin (Newcastle United Football Club / England) 
5-Kevin Bernard Moran (Manchester United Football Club / England)
3-Christopher William Gerard Hughton (Tottenham Hotspur Football Club-London / England)
7-Gerard Anthony ‘Gery’ Daly (Coventry City Football Club / England)
10-Anthony Patrick Grealish (Luton Town Football Club / England)
6-William ‘Liam’ Brady  (Juventus Football Club-Torino / Italy) 
9-Stephen Derek Heighway (Liverpool Football Club / England)
8-Francis Anthony ‘Frank’ Stapleton (Arsenal Football Club-London / England) (14-Michael Anthony ‘Mickey’ Walsh (Futebol Clube do Porto / Portugal) 71st)
11-Michael John Robinson (Brighton Hove and Albion Football Club / England)

Coach: Eoin Kevin Joseph Colin Hand
Booked: Liam Brady, Gerry Daly

Team Captain: William ‘Liam’ Brady
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: Green Shirts, White Shorts, Green Socks

 
Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 2, May 1981
(Belgium squad, Top, left to right: Rene Vandereycken , Erwin Vandenbergh, Walter Meeuws, Michel Preud’Homme, Luc Millecamps , Bottom, left to right:  Ludo Coeck , Michel Renquin, Eric Gerets, Raymond Mommens,  Albert Cluytens, Jan Ceulemans  , March 25, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 1-Republic of Ireland 0)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Belgium
5
4
1
0
8
3
0
9
2
Republic of Ireland
6
3
1
2
12
7
5
7
3
France
3
2
0
1
9
1
8
4
4
Holland
4
2
0
2
5
3
2
4
5
Cyprus
6
0
0
6
4
24
-20
0




April 29, 1981  (Nicosia, Cyprus 0-Holland 1)

Date: April 29, 1981
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: France 3-Belgium 2
Venue: Paris- Parc des Princes
Attendance: 44,954
Referee: Victoriano Sanchez Arminio (Spain)
Goalscorers:
(France): Gerard Soler 14th, 31st, Didier Six 26th      
(Belgium): Erwin Vandenbergh 5th, Jan Ceulemans 52nd
Lineups:
France:
1-Dominique Dropsy (Racing Club de Strasbourg Football)
2-Gerard Janvion (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
4-Christian Lopez  (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
5-Marius Tresor (Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club)
3-Maxime Bossis (Football Club de Nantes)
6 -Jean Tigana (Olympique Lyonnais)
8-Alain Giresse (Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club)
10-Bernard Genghini (Football Club de Sochaux-Montbéliard)
7-Gerard Soler (Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club) (15-Jacques Zimako (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire) 71st)
9-Dominique Rocheteau (Paris Saint-Germain Football Club)
11-Didier Six (Racing Club de Strasbourg Football)

Coach: Michel Hidalgo
Other Substitutes:
Jean Castaneda (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
Patrick Battiston (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
Leonard Specht (Racing Club de Strasbourg Football)
Alain Moizan (Olympique Lyonnais)

Team Captain: Christian Lopez 
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks

Belgium:
1-Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
2- Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem) (13- Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek) 17th)
4- Walter Meeuws (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
5- Michel Renquin (Royal Standard de Liege)
6- Frank Vercauteren (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)  (14- Rene Verheyn (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren) 65th)
7- Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)
8-Wilfred van Moer  (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
9- Albert Cluytens (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
10- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Booked: Michel DeWolf
Other Substitutes:
12- Jacques Munaron (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
15- Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
16- Willy Wellens (Royal Standard de Liege)

Team Captain: Wilfred van Moer  
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks


Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 13, 1982
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)


Photo From: Onze, Hors Serie 13, 1982
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 65, May 1981
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

 
Photo From: Foot Magazine, Issue 3, June 1981
(April 29, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, France 3-Belgium 2)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Belgium
6
4
1
1
10
6
0
9
2
Republic of Ireland
6
3
1
2
12
7
5
7
3
France
4
3
0
1
12
3
9
6
4
Holland
5
3
0
2
6
3
3
6
5
Cyprus
7
0
0
7
4
25
-21
0




September 9, 1981  (Rotterdam, Holland 2-Republic of Ireland 2)


Date: September 9, 1981
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Belgium 2-France 0
Venue: Bruxelles-Stade du Heysel  (Brussels- Heizelstadion)
Attendance: 52,525
Referee: Karoly Palotai (Hungary)
Goalscorers:
(Belgium): Alexandre Czerniatynski 24th, ErwinVandenbergh 83rd
(France): None  
Lineups:
Belgium:
1-Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)     
2- Michel Renquin (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)
4- Walter Meeuws (Royal Standard de Liege)
5- Marc Baecke (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
6- Frank Vercauteren (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
7- Alexandre Czerniatynski (Royal Antwerp Football Club)
8-Wilfred van Moer  (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)(14-Marc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem) 51st)
9- Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)              
10-Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
11- Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging)

Coach: Guy Thys
Booked: Marc Baecke, Ludo Coeck
Other Substitutes:
12- Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
13- Dirk Devriese (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)
15- Rene Verheyn (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
16- Albert Cluytens (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)

Team Captain: Wilfred van Moer
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

France:
1-Pierrick Hiard (Sporting Etoile Club de Bastia)
2-Gerard Janvion (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
4-Philippe Mahut (Football Club de Metz)
5-Christian Lopez (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
3-Maxime Bossis (Football Club de Nantes)
6-Alain Moizan (Olympique Lyonnais)  (15-Yannick Stopyra (Football Club de Sochaux-Montbéliard) 60th)
8-Alain Giresse (Girondins de Bordeaux Football Club)
9-Jean-Francois Larios (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
7-Jacques Zimako (Football Club de Sochaux-Montbéliard)
10-Michel Platini (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
11-Didier Six (Verein für Bewegungspiele Stuttgart 1893 e.V./ West Germany)

Coach: Michel Hidalgo
Other Substitutes:
Dominique Dropsy (Racing Club de Strasbourg Football)
Patrick Battiston (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne Loire)
Leonard Specht (Racing Club de Strasbourg Football)
Manuel Amoros (Association Sportive de Monaco)  

Team Captain: Michel Platini
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks



Photo From: Onze, Issue 69, September 1981
(Jean-Marie Pfaff and Michel Platini, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 69, September 1981
(Franie Vercauteren, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Onze, Issue 69, September 1981
(September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Mondial, New series, issue 22, January 1982
(September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 19, October 1981
(Walter Meeuws and Alain Moizan, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 19, October 1981
(September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


Photo From: France Football, Issue 1849, September 15, 1981
(Franie Vercauteren, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)


Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer
(Belgium squad, September 9, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Belgium 2-France 0)



Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Belgium
7
5
1
1
12
6
0
11
2
Republic of Ireland
7
3
2
2
14
9
5
8
3
Holland
6
3
1
2
8
5
3
7
4
France
5
3
0
2
12
5
7
6
5
Cyprus
7
0
0
7
4
25
-21
0


October 14, 1981  (Dublin, Republic of Ireland 3-France 2)


Date: October 14, 1981
Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier-UEFA-Group 2
Result: Holland 3-Belgium 0
Venue: Rotterdam-De Kuip-Feyenoord Stadion
Attendance: 56,000
Referee: Brian McGinlay (Scotland)
Goalscorers:
(Holland): Johnny Metgod 5th, Cees Van Kooten 26th, Ruud Geels 54th
(Belgium): None
Lineups:
Holland:
1-Johannes Franciscus ‘Hans’ van Breukelen (Football Club Utrecht)
2-Michaël Antonius Bernardus ‘Michel’ van de Korput (Torino Calcio 1906 / Italy)
5-Rudolf Jozef ‘Ruud’ Krol (Societa Sportiva Calcio Napoli / Italy)
4-Johannes Antonius Bernardus ‘John’ Metgod (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar) 
3-Hugo Harmanus Hovenkamp (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar)
8-Franciscus Johannes ‘Frans’ Thijssen (Ipswich Town Football Club / England)
6-Johannes Jacobus ‘Johan’ Neeskens (New York Cosmos / USA)
10-Arnoldus Johannes Hyacinthus ‘Arnold’ Mühren (Ipswich Town Football Club / England) 
7-Tschen La Ling (Amsterdamse Football Club Ajax-Amsterdam)
9-Cornelis ‘Cees’ van Kooten  (Go Ahead Eagles- Deventer) (14-Geertruida Maria ‘Ruud’ Geels (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven) 46th)
11-Nicolaas ‘Johnny’ Rep (Association Sportive de Saint-Etienne -Loire / France)

Coach: Cornelius ‘Kees’ Rijvers

Other Substitutes:
Reinier Lambertus ‘Rene’ van de Kerkhof (Philips Sports Vereniging Eindhoven)
Johannes Wilhelmus ‘Jan’ Peters (captain) (AZ (Alkmaar Zaanstreek) '67 -Alkmaar)  
Huibertus Johannes Nicolaas ‘Ben’ Wijnstekers (Feyenoord Rotterdam)  
Andre Van Gerven (Football Club Twente Enschede)

Team Captain: Ruud Krol
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Uniform Colors: White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Belgium:
1-Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)               
2-Eric Gerets (captain) (Royal Standard de Liege)
3-Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)
4- Walter Meeuws (Royal Standard de Liege)
5- Michel Renquin (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
6- Frank Vercauteren (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)
7- Rene Vandereycken (Genoa 1893-Genova / Italy)
8-Marc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)
9- Edouard Snelders (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren) (15- Gerald Plessers (Royal Standard de Liege) 62nd)
10- Alexandre Czerniatynski (Royal Antwerp Football Club) 
11- Eddy Voordeckers (Royal Standard de Liege) (16- Albert Cluytens (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) 46th)

Coach: Guy Thys
Booked: Walter Meeuws 19th
Sent-off: Walter Meeuws 39th
Other Substitutes:
12- Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege)
13- Marc Baecke (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)
14- Michel De Groote (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)

Team Captain: Eric Gerets
Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Admiral
Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks


Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 20, November 1981
(Albert Cluytens and Johnny Metgod, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)

Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 20, November 1981
(Frans Thijssen, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)


Photo From: Foot Magazine, November 1981, Issue 7
(Luc Millecamps and Ruud Geels, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)


Photo From: Foot Magazine, November 1981, Issue 7
(Rene Vandereycken and Johnny Rep, October 14, 1981, World Cup Qualifier, Holland 3-Belgium  0)



Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Belgium
8
5
1
2
12
9
0
11
2
Republic of Ireland
8
4
2
2
17
11
6
10
3
Holland
7
4
1
2
11
5
6
9
4
France
6
3
0
3
14
8
6
6
5
Cyprus
7
0
0
7
4
25
-21
0



November 18, 1981  (Paris, France 2-Holand 0)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Belgium
8
5
1
2
12
9
0
11
2
Republic of Ireland
8
4
2
2
17
11
6
10
3
Holland
8
4
1
3
11
7
4
9
4
France
7
4
0
3
16
8
8
8
5
Cyprus
7
0
0
7
4
25
-21
0

December 5, 1981  (Paris, France 4-Cyprus 0)

Table

P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Belgium
8
5
1
2
12
9
0
11
2
France
8
5
0
3
20
8
12
10
3
Republic of Ireland
8
4
2
2
17
11
6
10
4
Holland
8
4
1
3
11
7
4
9
5
Cyprus
8
0
0
8
4
29
-25
0

P-Played, W-Win, D-Draw, L-Loss, GF-Goals For, GA-Goals Against, GD-Goal Difference, Pts-Points


Belgium players during the qualification matches


Goalkeeper:
Jean-Marie Pfaff (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)  (6 Matches)
Michel Preud’Homme (Royal Standard de Liege) (2 Matches)

Defenders:
Eric Gerets (Royal Standard de Liege) (7 Matches)
Luc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem)  (7 Matches, substituted in 2 matches)
Michel De Wolf (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)  (2 Matches, came on as a substitute in both matches)
Walter Meeuws (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging) (7 Matches)
Michel Renquin (Royal Standard de Liege) and 1981/82: (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) (7 Matches)
Gerald Plessers (Royal Standard de Liege) (3 Matches, substituted in 2 matches and came on as substitute in the other)
Marc Baecke (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren) (1 Match)

Midfielders/Forwards:
Wilfred van Moer (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren)  (5 Matches, substituted in 2 matches)
Jozef Heylingen (Koninklijke Waterschei Sportvereniging Thor Genk) (1 Match, came on as a substitute in his only match)
Rene Vandereycken (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging) (7 Matches)
Ludo Coeck (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)  (6 Matches, came on as  a substitute in one match and substituted in another)
Raymond Mommens (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren) (3 Matches, substituted in one match)
Marc Millecamps (Koninklijke Sportvereniging Waregem) (2 Matches, came on as a substitute in one match)
Frank Vercauteren (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) (5 Matches, came on as a substitute in two matches and was substituted in another)  
Rene Verheyn (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)  (1 Match, came on as a substitute in his only match)
Edouard Snelders (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)   (1 Match, substituted in his only match)
Albert Cluytens (Koninklijke Sportkring Beveren) (7 Matches, substituted in 2 matches, came on as a substitute in one match)
Erwin Vandenbergh (Koninklijke Lierse Sportvereniging)     (7 Matches)
Jan Ceulemans (Club Brugge Koninklijke Vereniging) (7 Matches)
Eddy Voordeckers (Royal Standard de Liege) (3 Matches, came on as a substitute in two matches and was substituted in another)  
Willy Wellens (Royal Standard de Liege)  (2 Matches, came on as a substitute in one match)
Alexandre Czerniatynski (Royal Antwerp Football Club) (2 Matches)

The following players appeared on Teamsheets, but did not play:

Jacques Munaron (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois) (goalkeeper)
Maurice de Schrijver (Koninklijke Sporting Club Lokeren)
Dirk Devriese (Racing White Daring Molenbeek)
Michel De Groote (Royale Sporting Club Anderlechtois)

Coach: Guy Thys


Goalscorers:
Erwin Vandenbergh 5 goals (1 penalty kick)
Jan Ceulemans 4 goals
Albert Cluytens 1 goal
Gerard Plessers 1 goal
Alexandre Czerniatynski 1 goal



References:
Foot Magazine, Issue 2, May 1981
Foot Magazine, Issue 3, June 1981
Foot Magazine, Issue 7, November 1981
Foot Magazine, March 1982
France Football, Issue 1848, September 8, 1981
France Football, Issue 1849, September 15, 1981
France Football, Issue 1854, October 20, 1981
Ireland on the Ball, Author Donal Cullen
Ireland, The Quest for the World Cup, Author Clive Leatherdale
Le Dictionnaire Des Diables Rouges
Le Siecle des Diables Rouges, Author Christian Hubert
Mondial, New Series, Hors Serie 13, 1982
Mondial, New series, issue 8, November 1980
Mondial, new series, issue 15, June 1981
Mondial, new series, issue 19, October 1981
Mondial, New series, issue 22, January 1982
Onze, Hors Serie 12, 1982
Onze, Hors Serie 13, 1982
Rode Duivels & Oranje Leeuwen., 100 jaar Derby der Lage Landen, Authors Ralf Willems, Matty Verkamman, 2001
Onze, Issue 64, April 1981
Onze, Issue 65, May 1981
Onze, Issue 69, September 1981
World Soccer, December 1980
World Soccer, January 1981
World Soccer , April 1981
World Soccer, May 1981
World Soccer, June 1981
World Soccer, November 1981
World Soccer , December 1981

World Soccer , March 1982
at

1 comment:

  1. BerkeleyJune 6, 2018 at 4:00 AM

    What a team. These were men. Looking at soccer players today, it's only looking at a bunch of tattoo-sissy's earning way to much money. Soccer died somewhere at the end of the 80's.

    ReplyDelete