Striker Divock Origi named in Belgium squad for the World Cup
Football
By
-afp
| May 13, 2014
|
|
| Striker Divock Origi |
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots yesterday named Divock Origi, a Kenyan-Belgian in his 24-strong World Cup squad, which also included Man United’s Adnan Januzaj. Wilmots called up 20 outfield players and four goalkeepers given the injury to Hoffenheim stop-shotterKoen Casteels.
Casteels sustained a fractured tibia but could be fit for the June 12 to July 13 tournament in Brazil, with Anderlecht’s Silvio Protolined up as the number three goalkeeper should the former not make it. Uncapped Lille striker Divock Origi, 19, is the surprise call-up by Wilmots, who said the teenager would be best to replace the injured Christian Benteke, while Manchester United’s Januzaj isalso included. Origi is the son of former Harambee Stars striker Mike Okoth.
The most notable absentees are Bruges’ Timmy Simonsand Roma midfi elder Radja Nainggolan, although the latter is included on a six-strong stand-by list. Belgium have been drawn in Group H along with Algeria, Russia and South Korea, and kick off their World Cup campaign in Belo Horizonte on June 17 against the north
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has been ruled out by injury, with 19-year-old Lille striker Divock Origi called up in his place.
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Silvio Proto
READ MORE
Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the African literary revolution
Tanzania doctor describes bodies taken from morgue as fresh protests loom
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Anthony Vanden Borre, Laurent Ciman, Vincent Kompany, Daniel Van Buyten, Thomas Vermaelen, Nicolas Lombaerts, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Steven Defour, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembélé, Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas, Adnan Januzaj
Attackers: Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi.
Standby list: Nainggolan, Pocognoli, Hazard, Gillet, Batshuayi, Van Damme