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Should Spurs’ Belgian Internationals Return Early?

By Alexander Balano

Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld (4) controls the ball in the first half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld (4) controls the ball in the first half of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Following yesterday’s bombing in Brussels it wouldn’t be bad for Spurs to want their Belgian internationals to return early.

Because the international friendly match between Belgium and Portugal was originally cancelled, there was a possibility that Toby Alderweireld, Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembélé could have returned earlier than expected.

But with the Royal Belgian Football Association reversing course on an earlier statement that they previously made, the match will now be moved from the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium to Leiria, Portugal.

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The Independent goes into detail on this latest turn of events regarding the international friendly between Belgium and Portugal.

Below is the original statement in which the Belgian FA cancelled the match:

"“For security reasons and precaution, the City of Brussels has asked the Belgian FA to cancel the match Belgium – Portugal on 29 March,” read a statement at belgianfootball.be.“The match of our Belgian Red Devils against Portugal, scheduled Tuesday night at the King Baudouin Stadium, will not take place.”"

Now here’s the latest report regarding the match:

"“The Board of Directors of the Belgian FA has, in agreement with the national coach and coaching staff, decided to accept the proposal of the Portuguese Football Federation to play this match in Leiria, on the same day and at the same time,” read a statement on the Belgian FA’s website."

With the game now scheduled to resume, Alderweireld, Chadli and Dembélé will all play against Portugal on March 29. Having the trio of Belgian internationals return early would have benefited Spurs as they could have all gotten rest.

Especially Toby Alderweireld who has made the third most appearances this season by playing in 42 out of 46 games.

Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; United States midfielder Julian Green (16) takes a shot on goal against Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld (2) in overtime during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2014; Salvador, BRAZIL; United States midfielder Julian Green (16) takes a shot on goal against Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld (2) in overtime during the round of sixteen match in the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova. Belgium defeated USA 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

As for Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembélé, they’ve made 33 and 30 appearances respectively. It’s not a lot, but Dembélé has had his fair share of knocks this season. So it’s apparent that he needs rest as well.

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Now there’s no reason why Portugal and Belgium can’t play in this match, especially now that the venue has switched to Leiria.

Especially since it’s up to the football associations and whether they would like to continue playing or cancel a match outright.

Besides, playing for your national team means a lot to footballers. They take a lot of pride in representing their nation’s colors.

Therefore it’s highly unlikely that this latest terror attack won’t have players returning to their clubs early for their own personal safety.

For Spurs — and every other football club in the world — surely this is something that’s going to be on their minds moving forward though if these incidents continue.

And that’s wanting to keep their players safe as well as innocent people who happen to watch these matches live and are at the stadium.

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In a way, it’s selfish to want all of the national teams to not play in friendly fixtures since two bombings coincidentally happened during international breaks.

Although if anything, it has more to do with world conflict and attacking the United States’ allies which is a different subject entirely. That said, the football associations ultimately have final say on whether international matches are played.

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