Belgium’s sports scene brought mixed results, with Anderlecht facing Zulte Waregem, OH Leuven finding its winning touch and the Red Aces missing out on the Final 8. Elsewhere, politics, public safety and a new rule affecting a phone service used by Belgians also made the news.
After their European defeat to Lyon, Anderlecht face Zulte Waregem before the long international break. The Flemish club are currently in the top five and are the only team to have taken points from Union on their previous trip to the capital a month ago. A win would allow Sporting to overtake them in the standings.
A person was injured in a stabbing on Brogniezstraat in Anderlecht on Friday evening. Brussels South police zone confirmed that a stabbing took place and that a victim was injured. The incident occurred in Anderlecht, a municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region and within the jurisdiction of the Brussels South police zone.
Nafissatou Thiam is competing in a heptathlon in Talence, France. The three-time Olympic champion hopes to salvage a less successful season. Fellow Belgian Noor Vidts is also taking part, but both athletes have so far been underwhelming in the long jump. Pressure is mounting ahead of their final attempt; the competition can be followed live.
Belgium’s Red Aces were eliminated by Austria in the Davis Cup and will not take part in the Final 8 in Bologna in November. Belgium lost 3-1 before the fifth match was played. Zizou Bergs, ranked 38th in the world, lost to Jurij Rodionov, ranked 142nd, 7-6, 6-3. Raphaël Collignon and Alexander Blockx were absent. Steve Darcis led the team.
Four Belgians are preparing for Sunday’s World Championship time trial in Montréal, where none will wear bib number one. Lotte Kopecky and Lotte Claes kept their ambitions modest. National coach Ludwig Willems expects Kopecky to be deeply disappointed if she finishes outside the top 10. Remco Evenepoel is targeting victory, while Alec Segaert is aiming for fifth and Rune Herregodts for 10th.
Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele said Saturday that he came “in peace” during the official speeches at the Wallonia Festival celebrations. He presented himself as a deeply committed Flemish nationalist, with that identity remaining his political compass. Flanders, this year’s guest of honor, thus took part in the Walloon celebrations in a message intended to reassure Walloons.
Paid telephone directory assistance services will soon have to announce their maximum rate before any charge is made. Costs may only be incurred after an audible signal, allowing callers to decide whether to continue or hang up. These numbers remain widely used in Belgium, with around 750,000 calls each year. The rule is expected to take effect soon.
OH Leuven have finally secured their first win of the season. Academy product Wouter George put the Leuven side ahead with a fine goal, confirming his strong form in recent weeks. George also extended his contract with the club on Thursday, making it a particularly successful week at work.
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