After the disappointment of Paris, the Belgian Cats start a new chapter tonight. “There is now a new focus towards the next goal, next year’s European Championships,” says co-commentator Hanne Mestdagh. “The disappointment of Paris will not have been fully processed yet, but this is top sport, they have to move forward.”
There is immediately a lot of pressure on for their first post-Olympic competition. If the Cats want to qualify for next year’s European Championship as defending champions, they will have to win against Lithuania tonight and Poland on Sunday. “It’s not over yet if they don’t win today, but then they will find themselves in very difficult situations,” says Mestdagh. “Lithuania is certainly not to be underestimated, but of course the Cats are the favorite.”
The Cats will not perform at full strength tonight. Game maker Julie Allemand may return, but the ever reliable Antonia Delaere is not there. “As a result, other players will have to step up. But you cannot replace Delaere one-on-one,” Mestdagh concludes. “The fact that Allemand is back is a great added value. She and Meesseman know each other inside and out.”
