Soccer: Belgium name weakened World Cup squad

BRUSSELS - Belgium coach Robert Waseige left Stefaan Tanghe, Michael Gossens and Marc Hendrikx out of his World Cup soccer plans today when naming a 23-man squad weakened by the absence of injured stalwarts.

Waseige, making the most of thin pickings, named a squad reliant on defenders after leading striker Emile Mpenza was ruled out of the World Cup earlier this week because of a thigh injury.

He was joined on the sidelines by midfielders Walter Baseggio and Philippe Clement, defender Joos Valgaeren and forward Bob Peeters.

Belgium's one ray of sunshine was the inclusion of Derby County striker Branko Strupar, who is fit despite coming off in the closing minutes of the goalless draw against Algeria in Brussels with an inflamed ankle earlier this week.

Belgium's hopes of getting through the first round at the finals now hang on Mpenza's older brother Mbo, who impressed with his pace and energy against Algeria, Genk's Wesley Sonck and veteran captain Marc Wilmots.

Belgium are due to fly to south-east Asia next Wednesday after facing France in a "friendly" this weekend.

Belgium have been drawn with co-hosts Japan, Russia and Tunisia in the first group phase of the World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan which start on May 31.

- REUTERS

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