Belgians set their standards high

JIM REYNOLDS

23 Oct 1992

HEARTS, being the fighters they are, have not given up hope of progressing in the UEFA Cup despite losing 1-0 at home to Standard Liege.

But on the evidence laid before us at Tynecastle on Wednesday night, and a close examination of other results in Europe this week, it is very clear that Belgian football is experiencing an exciting resurgence.

Standard, under the guidance of former Dutch international Arie Haan, are challenging Anderlecht for domestic dominance after a long spell of not even being good enough to be in the band, never mind playing second fiddle, and there are those in Belgium who already regard them as being technically better and more attractive to watch than their Brussels rivals.

Haan rightly is proud of what his young side have already achieved, and after attacking Hearts -- and striker Ian Baird in particular -- for what he felt were rough-house tactics, he said that he fully expected Standard to be even better in the second leg on November 4.

"Of course, there is always the second game," he said, "but I am very confident now.

I am never sure about results, but I am sure about the ability of my side."

Other Belgian coaches no doubt will be saying the same after Wednesday night's ties when four out of five won -- the others being Club Brugge against Austria Vienna, Antwerp away to Admira Wacker, and Anderlecht against Dynamo Kiev.

Only Mechelen lost, by the only goal of the game in Arnhem, and they must feel capable of recovering at home.

Standard had so many talented players on view that it is difficult to see how Hearts can overcome the deficit, especially as they have been hard hit by injuries this season and will now be without the suspended Baird for the return.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that two teenagers on show at Tynecastle -- Regis Genaux and Michael Goossens -- will be household names in Europe within the next two or three years.

Said Haan: "We had a lot of young players in the team and this was a great experience for them.

They showed they are capable of keeping their composure in such a hard, physical match and I felt we should have scored more goals, especially in the second half."

Hearts manager Joe Jordan, however, will not hear any defeatist talk.

He said: "My opinion of Standard Liege has not changed.

They are a very talented side, but who is to say we won't go there and score in the first five minutes.

"No doubt they will be delighted with the situation, but there's another 90 minutes to play and we'll give it a go.

We will certainly be working on improving our performance."

Taken from the Herald