Young Devils reach Under-17 semi-finals

Belgium’s young footballers have reached the semi-final of the European Under-17 Championship. After winning a quarter-final penalty shoot-out against Croatia on Friday, the Jonge Duivels, or Young Devils, face France in tomorrow’s semi-final in the Bulgarian city of Burgas. Victory would take them to the final on Friday, also in Burgas, against Germany or Russia.

Coach Bob Browaeys described himself as “maybe the happiest person in the world right now” after the victory over Croatia. The up-and-coming players can expect more attention: Captain Wout Faes’ David Luiz-style locks (photo) have already earned him comparisons with the Brazilian.

Belgium has a very modest record in this category: a sole group stage appearance, in 2007, in the 15 Fifa Under-17 tournaments since 1985; and one semi-final, also in 2007, and two other group stages in the 13 UEFA Under-17 tournaments since 2002. The three other Under-17 semi-finalists have six European and five world titles between them.

Photo: YouTube