Erwin van de Looi expects that Jong Oranje and Jong België will be evenly matched on Wednesday evening during their first group stage match at the U21 European Championship in Georgia and Romania. Quinten Timber believes in the chances of the Dutch youth team.
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Jong Belgium has traveled to the U21 European Championship at full strength, with A-internationals like Loïs Openda and Charles De Ketelaere as the main attractions. Van de Looi is cautious about the forward from RC Lens and the playmaker from AC Milan. "They have many players who have been playing at a high level for a while now. We respect the Belgians, but we also focus on ourselves and must ensure that we execute the things we always do well. And above all, with a lot of energy, which will be crucial."
In September, both teams already faced each other in a friendly match. Back then, Jong Oranje, with Lutsharel Geertruida and Xavi Simons, emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in Brussels, thanks to two goals from Brian Brobbey. "It was a game of two halves, with us being the dominant side in the first half and the Belgians in the second half. It was a closely contested match," Van de Looi recalls. "I think it will be another close call. The form on the day and individual qualities will make the difference."
While Jong Oranje won't have the services of A-internationals like Geertruida and Simons during the championship, Belgium can count on players like Openda and De Ketelaere. Van de Looi is not bothered by that. "Of course, they can make a difference, but it's great for the tournament's prestige that they are participating. We also want to be tested against the better players. It's one of the goals of the European Championship. We want to win the tournament, but it should also serve as a valuable learning experience for the players. You learn the most when you compete against the best players."
Timber is also aware of the qualities of the Young Devils but believes in the abilities of Jong Oranje. "Belgium is a good team. We already faced them in September during a friendly match, which was a great game as well. But we are also a strong team. We want to focus on ourselves and showcase our abilities to Europe," said the 22-year-old Feyenoord midfielder, who is excited about the U21 European Championship. "We want to start with a victory on Wednesday. Our goal is to win the championship."
On Monday, Timber was named the captain of Jong Oranje for the tournament. It didn't come as a big surprise to him. "I have also played several qualification matches and feel like one of the leaders of the group. I didn't know I would be the captain, but I wasn't completely surprised." It won't change his game. "I don't have to force anything. I just have to be myself and be vocal within the group, set high standards in training, which is something I naturally do. So, nothing different from the norm."
Updated: 10:53, 20 Jun 2023
