Belgium coach Robert Waseige has confirmed his departure as coach of the national side following the 2-0 defeat by Brazil, but Standard Liege-bound coach has delivered a parting shot at the referee who disallowed a Marc Wilmots effort.
With the game scoreless, Wilmots powered a header inside the far-post on 36 minutes, only for referee Peter Prendergast to disallow the goal for a push on defender Roque Junior.
Waseige bellieves Belgium would have wonn the game had Belgium Wilmots’ effort been allowed tostand.
“We could have pulled off a very big surprise,” he said. “We are all convinced that the Wilmots goal should have stood and that would have changed the game entirely.”
“Football is funny though,’ added Waseige. ‘You have the Rivaldo shot that’s deflected in when our goalie had it covered, and the Wilmots shot which was just inches away from going in but their goalkeeper made a great fingertip save. That’s the way it goes.
“We often say that luck accompanies the great players, it certainly turned out that way today.
“We must not speak about the weak Brazilians though, but we must speak about the very strong Belgium side, who played an excellent match. We might not have real world stars like Brazil, but we certainly have the talent.
“We have seen a very strong team with a mix of good individual qualities and good teamwork. I hope that this match has been statisfying to the Belgium fans, who have always continued to support us. I want to especially thank the fans for their terrific support.
“But at least we gave a great image of our football. We weren’t the tournament favourites, but we’re leaving with our heads held high. It was my last match in charge and I just hope the person who replaces me has as much fun.”
