Qatar 2022: life is… Belgian!

Belgium were hot against Canada and not just on the pitch in Qatar. In Quebec, the assembled Belgians welcomed with a mixture of happiness and relief the only goal of the game, which gave them the victory.

• Read also: Qatar 2022: no beer? Not so serious

• Read also: Qatar 2022: Canada fans are excited for the duel against Belgium

The meeting point had been given on Grande Allée, at the Belga Resto-Bar and for long minutes, the tension was much more palpable than the euphoria.

There’s nothing like a chilly Wednesday afternoon over pints of beer and fries to spy on the prowess of both countries.

After the many controversies linked to human rights in Qatar, it was finally time to have fun for this match between the native land of the Belgians gathered there and their host country. Hard to ask for better!

“I’m happy that we’re talking a little more about sport. Players have nothing to do with anything going on there. There are many who talk about boycotting the World Cup and who will spend the next month in front of the TV, ”joked the restaurant owner, Luc Van Steene.

Strong emotions

Just like his compatriots, Mr. Van Steene quickly found himself on edge. From the ninth minute, when Canada obtained a penalty, the Belgians of Quebec trembled in unison for their Red Devils. When one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois, resisted, the screams of those present reflected obvious stress.

“It’s time for them to start playing,” cursed Mr. Van Steene, pointing to the representatives of the flat country.

Although the Canadians dominated the first half, Michy Batshuayi’s goal in the 44^e minute sowed hysteria. Many sighs of concern were heard afterwards, but the Belgians resisted.

A shared couple

On site, despite the competition, no animosity. The most tangible proof of this good-natured atmosphere came from the couple formed by Béatrice Delplanche and Claude Robillard, a Belgian and a Canadian.

“I have lived here for 22 years, but I will always be Belgian. It still bothered me because I wished Canada could have a better chance than falling to us. I was scared and if Canada had won, I know one who would have had a bad evening, ”she chuckled, turning to her spouse.

“I find it nice what is happening,” replied Mr. Robillard on the fact that the two countries were facing each other.

“It’s still disappointing for Canada, which has never won at this tournament. »

The last chance

For Luc Van Steene, it was happiness since he believes, like many observers, that the window is closing for the Belgian team.

“This is the last chance for this golden generation. They say they are the oldest team in the World Cup, but at 31, are we really old? I’m 54 and I’m not! “, he launched, laughing.

“For Canada to continue to grow, there needs to be an overhaul so that the national team can play better clubs than CONCACAF. At least, the expatriate players in Europe will help the team and become role models for young people, ”said the one who has lived in Quebec for 14 years.

A sign that the Belgians still feel at home here, Béatrice Delplanche summed up the ambivalent emotions after the victory.

“Now that we have three points, I tell you Go Canada! »