New era dawns for Belgium against Kazakhstan

BRUSSELS, Aug 15 (Reuters) Belgium hope to usher in a new era of success under coach Rene Vandereycken when they face Kazakhstan in their opening Euro 2008 qualifier tomorrow.

Vandereycken took over from Aime Anthuenis in January after the 'Red Devils' followed up missing out on Euro 2004 in Portugal by failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1978.

The former Belgian international is confident his side can end the downward spiral.

''I am confident...(but) it won't be easy,'' Vandereycken told Reuters Television.

''There are three or four or five teams who can qualify from our group, but I am confident that we will be one of the two that qualify.'' Belgium are in Group A along with Finland, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Kazakhstan.

The Belgians are favourites to take all three points tomorrow against Kazakhstan, who are ranked 140 in the world, and add another three next month against Armenia.

But a poor start to qualification for this year's World Cup in Germany when Belgium took just one point from their first three matches, they are taking nothing for granted.

''Points are what are important,'' Vandereycken said.

''In our first game against Kazakhstan, I will be happy 100 percent if we win and only then with the way we win.'' The 53-year-old is unbeaten in four games since taking the helm, winning two and drawing two.

''Winning on Wednesday is different to the friendlies, we need this game to keep the supporters and the press on side.'' DEFENSIVE BOOST The Belgian boss is boosted by the return of defenders Vincent Kompany and Daniel Van Buyten.

Kompany, who replaced Van Buyten at SV Hamburg in the summer, has not played for his country since last September, while Van Buyten, who moved to Bayern Munich in the close-season, last played for Belgium in October.

Club Bruges goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen is expected to start between the posts as Vandereycken must plan without first-choice Silvio Proto who hopes to return against Armenia following a six-month injury.

Teams: Belgium (probable): Stijn Stijnen; Vincent Kompany, Daniel Van Buyten, Jelle Van Damme, Thomas Vermaelen; Timmy Simons, Bart Goor, Koen Daerden, Koen Daerden; Thomas Buffel; Luigi Pieroni Kazakhstan: to be confirmed Reuters PM GC0904