Belgium yesterday was marked by a serious freight-train collision near the Channel Tunnel, while President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived for a scheduled visit. There was also sporting joy as Lotte Kopecky became world champion again in the elimination race, alongside a busy evening for Belgian football.
At the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in Coquelles, France, near Calais, a freight train collided around 8 p.m. Thursday with an overturned minibus at a level crossing. Eighteen people were injured; five are in critical condition. Emergency services arrived to assist the injured.
Lotte Kopecky won the world title in the elimination race in Shanghai. The Belgian track cyclist lived up to her status as favorite and became world champion again at the track cycling world championships. She finished first in the elimination race to claim gold once more.
Union Saint-Gilloise aim to build on their 0-3 win at Viktoria Plzen when they face Real Sociedad at Den Dreef in Leuven at 18:45. The Basque club won the Copa del Rey last season and can count on, among others, World Cup winner Mikel Oyarzabal. David Hubert will have to cope with around ten absentees who are injured, suspended or ineligible.
AA Gent begin their European Conference League campaign with a match against Aarhus. Coach Rik De Mil has selected the expected starting XI. Despite the death of a family member, Maksim Paskotsi is still in the starting lineup. The Buffaloes hope to carry their strong form into Europe.
STVV open their European campaign in the Conference League with a home match against Iberia Tbilisi. De Meyer has selected Mbuku, who makes his first start for the Limburg club. The match could give STVV a winning start to their European adventure, but the result will only be known after the game.
Amsterdam is facing a series of explosions that may be linked to an escalating conflict between the youth gangs BVL and OSD. The rivals are reportedly provoking each other on TikTok with images of firearms and the aftermath of attacks. The conflict is believed to have started after the release of an insulting diss track, a rap song targeting a rival.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Belgium on Thursday afternoon. The visit includes several official political meetings, notably with King Philippe. Zelensky is also due to meet Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and other European leaders. The talks are scheduled on the sidelines of the European Union summit.
RSC Anderlecht travel to Zagreb to face Dinamo Zagreb. After their 2-1 defeat to Lyon on matchday one, the Mauves and Whites must win in Croatia to keep their hopes alive. Their final three matches include clashes with Hoffenheim, Sunderland and Marseille, a tougher schedule.
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