WORLD CUP SOCCER ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : THE NEWS IS STILL GREAT ON MONDAY

The victory of the Belgian soccer team on Saturday against long-time rival and neighbor Holland, 1-0, reached the front page in all Belgian newspapers Monday, as most Belgian dailies do not offer Sunday editions.

This match was lauded not only for its victory, but also for the great show it offered onlookers. Said Michel Platini: “This match was one of the greatest contests I ever saw.”

The endurance of the players all through the match, the goal of Philippe Albert and the incredible performance of goalkeeper Michel Preud’homme, who stopped no less than five shots in very tricky situations, were hugely appreciated.

The victory triggered a wave of support in Belgium, with supporters pouring out of cafes and public squares where giant outdoor screens had been set up. The Grand Place, the main square of the Belgian capital, Brussels (the theater of the welcome-back ceremony for the same team when it returned from the previous World Cup in Mexico, where it reached the semi-finals), was filled with people, singing and waving Belgian flags. About 20,000 Belgians are said to have made the trip to Orlando for the match.