With Anderlecht, AZ meets a team that can rely on a series of five games without conceding a goal. The Belgian record champion appears to have a solid defense in recent weeks, but is wary of AZ. “They have guys who can make the difference individually,” says goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen: “AZ has guys who make the difference” – NH Sport
“I think they have a very good team,” says the goalkeeper, who was recently part of the selection of the Dutch national team for the first time. “At times they play very good football. They have guys who can make a difference individually. I also say that we should not underestimate them.”
Clean sheets
Verbruggen is sometimes asked for advice at Anderlecht. The Dutchman has been under the bar for several months and is making quite an impression in Belgium. The last five games even kept ‘zero’ with Purple-white. “I think we are a team that exudes a lot of confidence. More than we did before. Five clean sheets is not just my achievement. I am happy with the season since the World Cup. I hope we can add an extra nice twist to it can give.”
NH Sport in Brussels
Reporters Erik-Jan Brinkman and Stephan Brandhorst are in Brussels today and tomorrow. They follow everything around the match Anderlecht-AZ. Keep an eye on NH Sport’s Twitter page for the most up-to-date events. Tomorrow a live blog will appear on the website in which you will not miss anything!
In the eighth final, Anderlecht eliminated the Spanish Villarreal over two games. A great achievement, but in the competition it runs less. Anderlecht dangles in ninth place and last weekend they played a goalless draw against Westerlo (0-0). “They are two completely different tournaments,” says trainer Brian Riemer. “Sometimes you have to put it in a broader perspective. We didn’t concede any goals, which is very important in football. I know it’s something very special for the players to be able to get to the semi-finals.”
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Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer: “I would like to win 3-0 or 4-0” – NH Sport
The 20-year-old Verbruggen finds it special that he and Anderlecht will compete against AZ. The goalkeeper has never played a match in the Premier League. So for him personally it is an interesting showdown. “Apart from the fact that I can show the Netherlands how good I am, I often get asked what the level is.”
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Bart Verbruggen likes to meet a Dutch team – NH Sport
The match in the quarterfinals between Anderlecht and AZ starts tomorrow at 9 p.m. in the Astridpark in Brussels. Next Thursday (kick-off at 6.45 p.m.) the return will follow in Alkmaar.