 |
|
Belgium call up Moons to squad for World Cup qualifiers [Sat Aug 27th, 2005]
Brussels (Reuters) - Belgium coach Aime Anthuenis called up 34-year-old Racing Genk goalkeeper Jan Moons for World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and San Marino, after Frederic Herpoel withdrew citing a bad relationship with the coach.
Ghent goalkeeper Herpoel released a statement, saying he "has no respect for Anthuenis".
"After a lot of thought, I can no longer play for my country as a result of the current climate and relationship between me and the coach," Herpoel explained.
The 23-year-old Herpoel had been expected to resume in goal in Bosnia on September 3 and home to San Marino on September 7 after Anderlecht keeper Silvio Proto played in the recent friendly win over Greece.
Anthuenis has a difficult decision to make as Proto has failed to hold down a first team place since his switch to Anderlecht from La Louviere.
Moons is now being tipped to make his first international appearance.
Belgium lie fourth in qualifying Group 7 with eight points, behind Spain on 13, Serbia & Montenegro on 12 and Lithuania on nine. Bosnia are on seven with San Marino yet to score a point.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Silvio Proto (Anderlecht) Jan Moons (Genk)
Defenders: Vincent Kompany (Anderlecht), Olivier Doll (Lokeren), Olivier Deschacht (Anderlecht), Philippe Leonard (Standard Liege), Daniel Van Buyten (Hamburg), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Jelle Van Damme (Werder Bremen).
Midfielders: Roberto Bisconti (Nice), Philippe Clement (Club Bruges), Koen Daerden (Genk), Karel Geraerts (Standard Liege), Yves Vanderhaeghe (Anderlecht), Timmy Simons (PSV Eindhoven), Bart Goor (Anderlecht).
Forwards: Thomas Buffel (Rangers), Mbo Mbenza (Anderlecht), Emile Mpenza (Hamburger), Luigi Pieroni (AJ Auxerre), Kevin Vandenbergh (Genk).
News headlines from around the world.