N’awwwwwwwww
Belgium played out a 0-0 draw against Portugal last night in their first of two World Cup warm up friendly matches. The game was more entertaining than the scoreline would suggest but perhaps the most notable event of the evening came before a ball had been kicked.
Last night’s game marked Jan Vertonghen’s 100th appearance for Belgium. The Spurs defender has been a constant presence throughout the emergence of what is potentially a golden generation for the ‘Red Devils’. Fittingly, he also made his debut against Portugal, more than a decade ago. To mark the occasion, Vertonghen was presented with a commemorative cap by a surprise guest who happened to be his mother.
🗓 2 June 2007
🇧🇪1st cap
⚽ v Portugal(…exactly 11 years later)
🗓 2 June 2018
🇧🇪100th cap
⚽ v PortugalIncredibly proud to play for my country. Thanks for all the support on this journey. Bring on the @FIFAWorldCup 🙌🏻 💯#RedTogether pic.twitter.com/RJADsVX6fh
— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) June 2, 2018
Vertonghen appeared genuinely confused, as if he was double taking at first, before heading over and greeting her with a hug and accepting the cap.
When your Mum surprises you with your 100th cap… ❤🇧🇪
🎥@VTMStadion pic.twitter.com/Jzi9d8GeAz
— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) June 3, 2018
Belgium will be relying on Vertonghen and his Spurs teammate Toby Alderweireld a lot in this summer’s World Cup. The pair play on the left and right of the back three respectively with Vincent Kompany between them, although Kompany had to come off injured last night and was replaced by Dedryck Boyata.
Roberto Martínez’s team have been labelled as dark horses by many, but they have a very England-like tendency of underachieving at tournaments.
