Belgium's national football scene has recently seen significant updates, particularly within its youth coaching structure and club performances. On February 6, 2025, the Belgian Football Federation announced the appointment of Sven Vermant and Gilliom Gilete as the new coaches for the U19 national team, filling the void left by Jonathan Alves, who departed for Anderlecht.
Sven Vermant, 51, boasts 18 international caps for Belgium, spending most of his playing career with Club Brugge. Gilliom Gilete, 40, also brings experience to the team, having made 22 appearances for Belgium and notable achievements with Anderlecht. Their appointments come as the federation looks to nurture the upcoming 2006 generation, which includes promising players like Reyan Boonida, Johty Mokkio, and Kay Furo.
"This is a great opportunity to work with the talented 2006 generation," Vermant expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of youth development. Gilete added, "I intend to help the athletes reach their full potential so we can build the future of Belgian football together." Their experience working with youth previously positions them well for this important task, particularly as they head toward their first test against Norway, Serbia, and Israel for the upcoming UEFA Euro qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Anderlecht's push for glory was showcased on February 7, 2025, as they battled Royal Antwerp to secure their place in the Belgian Cup final, winning on aggregate 3-2. The standout performance came from Mexican forward Chino Vuelta, who made his presence felt after entering the game as a substitute.
Anderlecht began confidently, having taken the lead with their first-leg advantage. But Antwerp leveled the match when Denis Odoi scored at the 26-minute mark. The match swung dramatically when Odoi received a red card shortly after, leading to Anderlecht gaining the upper hand. After controlling much of the first half, it was Vuelta who turned the tide.
Coming onto the field at the 75th minute, Vuelta quickly illustrated his impact. Although Antwerp equalized again with Granino Kirk’s goal at the 85th minute, it was Vuelta’s agility and vision during injury time which sealed Anderlecht's victory. He dashed down the left flank, sidestepping defenders, before delivering a pinpoint pass to Lieven De Doncker. The latter scored decisively at the 91st minute, ensuring Anderlecht's triumph and securing their spot in the Cup final.
With this win, Anderlecht will face Club Brugge on May 1, 2025, as they vie for the Belgian Cup title. The match promises to be thrilling, with both teams boasting rich histories and passionate followings.
These key events encapsulate the current pulse of Belgian football, with coaching changes bringing fresh energy to the U19 squad and Anderlecht showcasing its ambitions with promising performances. With both youth and professional leagues engaging actively, the future for Belgian football appears bright.