Red Devils confront their demons against Turkey
Sclessin Stadium is already filling up for the twelfth Belgium‑Turkey clash, a duel that revives the old ghosts of the eleven previous matches. Belgian supporters remember both the glorious moments and the traumas, while the Red Devils are preparing a decisive encounter.
Situation in the Nations League
In their Nations League group, the Red Devils have three points from six, while Turkey remains on zero points from six. This difference puts Belgium in a comfortable position, while the Turkish must imperatively beat the Belgians to keep hope of reaching the quarter‑finals.
The last decisive clash dates back to Euro 2000, held on Belgian soil. At the time, a simple draw would have been enough for the Red Devils to join Italy in the next round. Belgium had beaten Sweden then lost to Italy, while Turkey had settled for a draw against Sweden and had not managed to beat Italy. Two goals from Hakan Sukur ultimately tipped the match in Belgium’s favour, as they won 2‑1 against Sweden.
The second match against Italy ended in a 2‑0 defeat, and the third duel against Turkey turned into a nightmare for goalkeeper Filip De Wilde. He lost his aerial duel against Hakan Sukur, committed a foul on Arif who was sprinting towards goal and was sent off, thus delivering a death blow to Belgium.
"I should never have let that ball bounce," the former goalkeeper recalled to La Dernière Heure. He added: "After the match, I couldn't sleep. We drank a few pints with some teammates, even the whisky didn't help. I wanted to perform too well in this tournament, as always. When too many eyes were fixed on me, I failed."
Happier memories
On the road to the 1998 World Cup, Belgium also faced Turkey, first winning 2‑1 at home, then losing 1‑3 in Istanbul. A hat‑trick from Luis Oliveira put the Red Devils on the path to qualification, recalling the playoffs that secured the ticket for the World Cup.
Overall, the eleven duels between the two nations comprise three wins for each side, five draws and a goal difference of 18‑17 in Belgium’s favour. These figures testify to a tight rivalry and a history where every encounter can swing.
Supporters can follow the match live on .be from 20:45 on 02/10. The King Baudouin Stadium, usually the stage for major fixtures, will remain empty tonight as Sclessin Stadium promises to be the setting of a new chapter in this shared history.