Belgium team guide
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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Belgium return to the final tournament determined to make a bigger impression than the only other time they graced this stage in 2006, finishing bottom of their group.
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Belgium return to the final tournament determined to make a bigger impression than the only previous occasion they graced this stage. They finished bottom of their section in 2006, defeats by Denmark and eventual winners Germany sandwiching a respectable goalless draw against a strong Sweden side.
The finals have eluded them since, with Italy and Norway among the sides to bar their path, and it almost evaded them again in 2011. Trailing 3-1 to Finland in the second qualifying round, they recovered to draw before a 1-0 victory over already qualified Russia earned their status as best runners-up – just pipping Wales.
Route to finals
First qualifying round: 4-0 Lithuania, 6-0 Estonia (Group 2 winners)
Second qualifying round: 2-2 Serbia, 3-3 Finland, 1-0 Russia (Group 2 runners-up)
Top scorers: Jana Coryn, Tessa Wullaert (5)
Key players
Jana Coryn (striker, Dames Zulte Waregem), Tessa Wullaert (attacking midfielder, Dames Zulte Waregem), Justine Vanhaevermaet (midfielder, Sinaai Girls), Ellen Charlier (forward, Oud-Heverlee Leuven).
Coach: Jean-Marie Greven
Date of birth: 06/01/1961
Playing career: RCS Stavelotain, FC Wiltz 71, FC Saarbrücken, AS Hosingen, FC Claravallis Clervaux, SG Rapid Oudler
Coaching career: FC Wiltz 71, FC Racing Troisvierges, FC 72 Erpeldange, FC Claravallis Clervaux, Belgium women's U19, Belgium women's U21
Born in Meyerode, close to the border with Germany and Luxembourg, Jean-Marie Greven's career as a forward spanned two decades and spells in both neighbouring countries. He hung up his boots in 1998 and immediately moved into coaching in Luxembourg with top-flight outfit Wiltz.
He joined the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA-KBVB) in 2009 as coach of both the women's U19 and U21 sides, charged with establishing closer links to the senior national team and making Belgium a more regular presence at final tournaments. He achieved success in this department by guiding his side to the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship for only the second time.
UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship best
Group stage: 2006