Harpal Singh Bedi / Bhubaneswar
Though.Belgium’s thrashing of England looked like a thoroughly professional job , there was a lot of emotion behind it. The joy of reaching their first World Cup final was tinged by a sadness.
Mid fielder Simon Gougnard got the news at 2 am in the morning that he had lost his father to cancer. But the professional player that he is he focussed on what lay ahead- a chance to create some sporting history for his country. The team took the field wearing black arm bands.
In the 22nd minute Gougnard scored the second goal for Belgium. There were not any gestures, just hugs all round as his teammates egged him on.
“It was difficult. His father was pretty sick, not really well. It is a shame he couldn’t be there with his father but he really wanted to play. So we dedicate the victory to his father. Today our memories are with him, especially with Simon and his father. He (Simon) was really close to his father. You always hoped that he passed away when Simon was there but he couldn’t be there with his family, that’s a hard part,”said Thomas Briels, captain of the Belgium team.
Coach Shane Mcleod described the sombre but determined mood in the team on the morning of the match. “We had words, we spoke and he shared the news with the group. If anything, it brought the group closer together. It’s something you may not wish upon any one,, circle of life and so on. He played for his father today and played a fantastic game.”