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USSR - Belgium

USSR - Belgium

Date: 15 June 1986
Stadium: Nou Camp

An exciting Soviet Union side exited Mexico 86 in a blaze of goals, going down 4-3 to second-round opponents and eventual semi-finalists Belgium despite the best efforts of star striker Igor Belanov who hit a stunning hat-trick.

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I Was There…

Igor Belanov: "It was really infuriating because we were far-and-away the stronger team. And I am sure that if we replayed this match we would win easily because you could see the Belgians were afraid of us. But unfortunately, our defenders had an off-day.

Did You Know?

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  • Both goalkeepers - Rinat Dassaiev and Jean-Marie Pfaff - were named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players in March 2004.
  • Belgian substitute Leo Clijsters came on in extra time against USSR. His daughter Kim Clijsters went on to find fame as a tennis champion.
  • Prior to this meeting in 1986, the Soviet Union enjoyed victories against Belgium at the 1970 FIFA World Cup (4-1) and 1982 finals (1-0).
  • The result was a repeat of Italy's 4-3 win over Germany FR in 1970 but, beyond Germany 2006, the finals have not seen that score since.
  • Another goal feast was served up by the opponents 16 years later when Belgium beat Russia 3-2 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ in Shizuoka.

Classic Matches