WORLD CUP RIOT
Police fire tear gas and water cannon as warring football fans go on the rampage in wake of Belgium’s shock loss
RIOTERS started fires and pelted cars with bricks in Brussels following Belgium’s shock 2-0 loss to Morocco at the World Cup.
Police sealed off parts of the city centre, deployed water cannon and fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.
even subway and tram traffic had to be interrupted because of the chaos. Terrified families ran for cover to escape marauding fans.
Brussels mayor Philippe Close urged all supporters to stay away from the city centre last night and said the authorities were doing their utmost to keep order in the streets.
Morocco’s victory had been enthusiastically celebrated by fans with roots in the north African country. They make up almost 500,000 of Belgium’s 11.5million population.
It was not immediately clear how many people were detained during the disturbances but around 100 police officers were rushed into action armed with batons and shields.
Thick smoke from torched cars filled the streets of the capital and flares let off by fans added to the mayhem. There were also disturbances in Antwerp.
Mr Close said had ordered police to make arrests, adding: ‘I strongly condemn the incidents that occurred this afternoon. The police have already acted harshly. So I advise supporters not to come to the centre. The police are doing everything they can to maintain public order.’
Police in the neighbouring Netherlands said violence erupted in the port city of Rotterdam, with riot officers attempting to break up a group of football supporters who pelted police with fireworks and glass.
Meanwhile, rows of empty seats at ‘sold out’ matches prompted fury from fans yesterday. Millions were denied tickets when they went on sale earlier this year but there are stadiums with seating blocks unused.
Fifa’s claims that grounds were nearly at capacity have raised eyebrows, especially with some games appearing to be half empty. The finger of blame is being pointed at Qatari locals and expats who bought dozens of tickets at prices as low as £8 each and have then not bothered to attend.
Chelsea fan John Groves said: ‘The number of empty seats at this World Cup is shameful and Qatar should be embarrassed. Fifa has made the World Cup so expensive that you have all these empty seats.’
Fifa claimed it had 23million applications for three million seats.
NICLAS FULLKRUG saved Germany last night with an 83rd-minute equaliser against Spain in Doha. The Germans were facing two defeats from two in the World Cup when Alvaro Morata put Spain in front on 62 minutes, but Fullkrug fired in to boost their hopes of making the last 16.
AN abiding personal memory of Louis van Gaal’s time at Manchester United is of watching him telling Wayne Rooney how to take a penalty.
It was summer of 2014 and Van Gaal’s side were training at Washington’s FedEx Field ahead of a friendly against Inter Milan. Van Gaal was the new manager and Rooney his new captain. But that did not stop the great Dutchman calling a halt to a penalty practice session to take hold of Rooney by the shoulders and walk him through exactly the technique he believed would work best.
Rooney looked flabbergasted as he stood there in the heat of the American summer. He was on his way to becoming England’s record goalscorer and, at 28, arguably at the peak of his considerable powers. But this was Van Gaal through and through, a micro manager of players who would regularly call a halt to United training lessons just to move a player a yard or two in another direction.
Over time at United, despite Van Gaal’s record and reputation, his methods didn’t work. The modern Premier League player requires a certain amount of freedom and trust in order to play to his potential. As Van Gaal’s spell at Old Trafford wore on, his team played with all the instinct and flow of pieces on a chess board. Here in Qatar, Van Gaal’s Dutch team looks a little like that version of United that the 71-year-old presided over for two frustrating and largely uninspiring seasons. Nobody has done more for the game in his homeland and indeed in Europe than Van Gaal.
A true innovator, he is currently in charge of his national team for a third spell. But time moves on and even the best get left behind. At this World Cup, the Netherlands struggled to a late win over Senegal and drew 1-1 with Ecuador in a game that saw them largely second best. The best Dutch teams we have watched over the years have always played a little off the cuff. They have always been smart and adaptable.
Van Gaal’s current side does not look like that. This version looks over-coached and underwhelming. They do not look like a side capable of going terribly far in this competition.
It is always good to see Van Gaal up close. He remains one of the greats and when he talks about football it is wise to make sure you listen.
But Van Gaal looked like yesterday’s man as he struggled to adapt to the Premier League eight years ago and at this World Cup there has been little evidence that has changed.
There is an outside chance Holland could play England in the last 16. We should not be unduly worried.