With 3.5 more months remaining, the Belgian National team U20 played the first of a couple selection games in Tilburg yesterday. The team of Gil Paelinck and Sami Lipsonen started the first game vs the Dutch National team with a full players bench. In total some 30+ players are on the long list and will be invited to participate in one or more of the scheduled selection games.
The coaching staff wanted to see how players work together, and what they have in their margin. “We want to see the players during a game, we need skilled and smart players, who want to work hard” said coach Paelinck. “Where we go, we have the smallest team in size, therefore players need to be up to the game, and need to fight every shift”. Belgian lost the game 4-1.
On October 16th Belgian plays the Dutch National team one more time in Tilburg. This game some new players will be included to the lineup. Later once the team is final, there will be more games scheduled during November and December to get the team ready for their championship in Belgrade early Januari.