Belgium’s U18 boys begin the WEVZA tournament in Portugal with enthusiasm and a clear focus. Ahead of the first match, head coach Dries Meurisse looks back on the selection process, the strengths of his group and the objectives. “We worked hard in the preparation and we mainly want to show what we have built. This tournament also has to lay the foundations for the next campaigns.”

From a broad list to a strong selection

According to Meurisse, an U18 selection is always the result of an extensive process. Players are first assessed in their clubs, after which a broad group is selected. During the preparation, including a BOIC camp in Germany, the staff then searches for the best possible sporting composition.

The preparation did not go entirely without obstacles, but in the end the staff arrived in Portugal with a strong group. “We arrived here with an excellent selection,” he says.

Strengths: willpower and strong group dynamics

Meurisse mainly sees a great desire within the team. “There is a very strong will in the group. With a new generation you always have to search a bit, but the group has tackled every challenge with both hands,” he says. The progress was visible from training to training. “It was really nice to see that every session brought another step forward.”

He also highlights the group dynamics. The mix of players who already have a lot of tournament experience and players who are experiencing a tournament for the very first time creates a good balance between experience and youthful enthusiasm. “It brings together experience and youthful energy in the group.”

Tournament format: one pool of six, everyone plays everyone

The WEVZA tournament for the boys is played in one pool of six teams. Each team plays every other team once. The standings at the end are also directly the final standings of the tournament. The winner also earns a key reward: a direct ticket to the European Championship.

With what feeling heading into the tournament? “A lot of enthusiasm and hunger”

The head coach looks forward to the start above all. “Mainly with a lot of enthusiasm and hunger,” says Meurisse. “We worked hard in the preparation and we want to be able to show that.” That energy matters in a tournament with a high tempo, where every match immediately counts for the ranking.

Objectives: aim realistically, but also dare to dream

In terms of objectives, Meurisse keeps a balanced view. The minimum objective is always to reach the second qualification round, but due to the high quality in the Western European countries, everyone automatically earns a ticket for the second qualification round this year. “That means we can play without much pressure,” he explains.

At the same time, there is a huge opportunity, with a direct EC ticket for the winner. “It would be a shame not to try everything to go for it. It would be a big stunt given the strong opposition in Western Europe, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t go all in.” As a realistic objective, Meurisse also puts forward a top 3 finish.

What would make you satisfied afterwards?

For Meurisse, it will be especially important that the agreements and the structure put into the team are actually visible on the court. “It’s a completely new generation. The boys have never trained and played together in this composition,” he says. “I would be very satisfied if the agreements and the structure we put into the team are effectively visible on the court.”

He also looks beyond this tournament. “We have to use this WEVZA tournament to take a big step towards the next campaigns. The foundations have to be laid at this tournament.”

Opponents: hard to assess, don’t underestimate anyone

Meurisse admits it is difficult to assess the level of the opponents. “It’s a completely new generation and all teams are still searching a bit. Of course we gathered information on everyone, but you always have to keep reservations,” he says.

Still, he sees a few indications. “France seems to stand out with a broad selection and a lot of physical potential. Spain also doesn’t look bad at first glance.” For the rest, the message is clear: don’t underestimate anyone, especially early on. “Playing Portugal, in Portugal, and in the first match as well… that is never a simple task.”

Biggest challenge: finding balance quickly and controlling the error rate

The biggest challenge, according to Meurisse, is finding the right balance in the team on a very short timeline. Every player has to know his role within the team and be able to play accordingly. Controlling the error rate is also a challenge, without stopping to put pressure on the opponent. The quality of the first contact is always a challenge at youth level as well.

“Fortunately we can count on a very aware group that is trying to tackle all these challenges,” Meurisse concludes.

With a lot of hunger, a group eager to learn and a clear focus on structure and growth, Belgium starts its WEVZA adventure in Portugal.