a mirror image of the likes of Doncaster .

[graingrover]

This little country nestled quietly between the bright orange  Netherlands  and the strutting’ coq’ of  France also has  borders which touch on Germany and Luxembourg. Where is it?

            No not Lichtenstein .. no not Transylvania ... I’ll give you a clue ... they are ranked 8th in World Football  . Yes that’s it the land of mussels n chips ... little BELGIUM.

                        As a long term resident of Belgium I have come to appreciate its understated qualities . The food ,the diversity of language, the 27 countries represented in it’s provincial  town type capital , and  now ....the national football team.
                        Sprinkled with names that betray the multi cultured society of this country ... Romeu Lukaku , Eden Hazard , Company , de Bruyne ... you would be forgiven for thinking you were reading from some English Premiership teamsheet.

                        Last night I sat comfortably in my local' taverne' to watch the Croatia v Belgium game on the pub’s big screen . Anyone and everyone was welcome the only stipulation being you had to bring your colours . Either a black red and yellow flag, scarf , banner or painted face . I sported the minimalist décor of  painted cheeks .

                       The evening was a joy . Lukaku’s two ‘Drogba’ like goals were enough to ensure Belgium’s early qualification for next year’s jamborees in Brazil. The Taverne’s Stella beer, free sandwiches , loud and cheerful throng of locals made me happy.

                         I am so lucky to support the likes of Belgium and the likes of Doncaster Rovers.   

[Pintolager]

And don't forget the Belgian Beer that is called "Belle Vue"

[BigColSutherland]

What was Drogba like about them?

[River Don]

I thought you were in the South of France, Grainge. Aren't Olympic Marseilles your other team?

[Donnywolf]

And don't forget the Belgian Beer that is called "Belle Vue"

Framboise ... 10 out of 10

[roversdude]

Graing lovely country, we often rent a house in Bruges, got to admit there is starting to be a bit of a buzz about football in Belgium over the last few years

[BillyStubbsTears]

And in Jaques Brel and Front 242, they produced 2 of the most astonishing contributors to popular (sic) music of the second half of the 20th century.

Shame about the state of the motorways and the bestial crimes that they committed in the Congo under King Leopold. I could almost fall for the place if it wasn't for those two crimes against humanity.

[BobG]

Although I haven't been there for a good few years now, I heartily agree Billy. They certainly used to have the worst roads in Europe. Bloody awful things. But maybe we've overtaken them these days?

As for Jacques Brel, one of my all time favourites he is.

BobG

[graingrover]

We moved  back here from France 4 years ago. Motorways bad in Wallonia ok in Flanders since they are maintained by regional gov budgets.. all fully lit though which makes night driving much safer.

           

[graingrover]

le plat pays where the only mountains are cathedrals ...
   Jacques Brel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZxmE-YAFs0

[Dutch Uncle]

Hi Brian

Certainly Belgium has a lot more going for it than many people might imagine - some of the best food I have ever had, not to mention the beers. I used to enjoy my many trips to Brussels and Mons ... until they installed Video Teleconference Systems

By the way I heard (although it might be an urban myth) that the lighting of all Belgian Motorways is paid for in perpetuity by the German Government as part of compensation packages agreed after WW2.

Only downside is the Flemish and French placenames which sometimes bear no relation....Lille/Rijsel, Mons/Bergen (although I can see where that comes from) and worst of all I remember being totally lost near Waremme/Borgworm   

[not on facebook]

This little country nestled quietly between the bright orange  Netherlands  and the strutting’ coq’ of  France also has  borders which touch on Germany and Luxembourg. Where is it?

            No not Lichtenstein .. no not Transylvania ... I’ll give you a clue ... they are ranked 8th in World Football  . Yes that’s it the land of mussels n chips ... little BELGIUM.

                        As a long term resident of Belgium I have come to appreciate its understated qualities . The food ,the diversity of language, the 27 countries represented in it’s provincial  town type capital , and  now ....the national football team.
                        Sprinkled with names that betray the multi cultured society of this country ... Romeu Lukaku , Eden Hazard , Company , de Bruyne ... you would be forgiven for thinking you were reading from some English Premiership teamsheet.

                        Last night I sat comfortably in my local' taverne' to watch the Croatia v Belgium game on the pub’s big screen . Anyone and everyone was welcome the only stipulation being you had to bring your colours . Either a black red and yellow flag, scarf , banner or painted face . I sported the minimalist décor of  painted cheeks .

                       The evening was a joy . Lukaku’s two ‘Drogba’ like goals were enough to ensure Belgium’s early qualification for next year’s jamborees in Brazil. The Taverne’s Stella beer, free sandwiches , loud and cheerful throng of locals made me happy.

                         I am so lucky to support the likes of Belgium and the likes of Doncaster Rovers.   

I was thinking about belgiums success on the football pitch national wise other day.

And if i lived in Your neck Of the woods i would Get shit Loads Of belgium
Brazil world cup 2014 scarfs printed up.say about 500

That would cost you about £3 a scarf to be Made in the uk,then you could sell them outside pubs in belgium When they play in Brazil.

You want at least £10 for each scarf or whatever euro that is 15euro each?

You piss it selling 500 because the team looks very good on the pitch

Wish norway was as good and in same situation as i would have got 1000
Norway scarfs done and Made a killing.

The more the team gets in the competition the price Of scarf Goes up due to Supply and demand

[FuzzyDuck]

I'd like to apply for a TLO too.  Obviously TLO Switzerland.  Absolutely love 'em internationally.  They pretty much always qualify for Europeans and Worlds and the one before last Euro they had the temerity to beat Spain just by being disciplined.

They also scared the pants off England twice for the last Euros.  At Wembley they went 2-up before being pegged back to 2:2 and in Switzerland, England went too up and ended up 3:1 winners, but not without a big flutter midway into the second half. 

I've actually just checked.  England are behind both Switzerland and Belgium (who are sixth!!!).  More than embarrassing

[BillyStubbsTears]

Last time I drove on a Walloon motorway, it was like driving through the OBV car park at 90mph. More pot holes than the red light district of Amsterdam. I don't know about Germany paying for the lights, it looked like they'd been driving Panzers up the fast lane.

[graingrover]

BST .. it is done so you have to slow down to give Oslo the chance to flog you a scarf by floodlight.

         I will mention seeing on a Chinese  Motorway peasant farmers walking up the fast lane with poles from which dangle rabbits and vegetable produce , in the hope passing traffic will be tempted .

[Donny Dub]

Can little St Patrick's Arhletic now be awarded a TLO? I was at their ground last night to see them clinch the Airtricity Premier league championship, beating Sligo Rovers 2-0 with two fine first half goals.  They've earned European competition and money from it now for next season.   
Small ground, passionate supporters, lots of smoke, flares and noise through the game and a massive pitch invasion at the end with all the players enjoying it and celebrating too!
Good luck!