Belgian team’s letter to “the best fans in the world”

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Belgium’s exit from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina on Saturday has prompted the team to publish an open letter to their fans, thanking them for their unfaltering support during the tournament in Brazil.

The Belgian side, who are captained by Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany and includes star players such as Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, expressed their gratitude to their supporters along with their pride at having progressed to Belgium’s furthest stage in the 84-year history of the World Cup competition – to the quarter finals.

The letter was published in several Belgian magazines and newspapers over the weekend. It read:

“When we convened on May 19 for our first open training, we had no idea what was ahead of us. 

“For seven weeks we tried like mad to give our best for our country and fans on this big stage in world football.

“We are incredibly proud to count ourselves among the best football nations in the world, despite having one of the youngest teams here.

“Of course we have also followed what you did in Belgium and, really, we think you’ve been world-class!

“Viewing records broken, the squares, the arenas … It was fantastic to see how you all lived the World Cup in Belgium.”

Belgium’s unbeaten run of 15 matches was ended on Saturday by Argentina with an 8th minute goal by SSC Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain which sealed the Argentines’ place in the semi final.

Alejandro Sabella’s men face Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands on Wednesday, and the winner of the two sides will proceed to the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro next weekend.