Belgium

FIFA World Ranking (November 2001): 20th

2002 World Cup qualifying: Finished second in UEFA "Group 6" (5-1-2; 25 GF, 6 GA); defeated Czech Republic in home-and-home playoff 2-0 on aggregate score.

2001 Overall Record: 6-2-2

World Cup final appearances: 11 - 1930 (11th), 1934 (15th), 1938 (13th), 1954 (12th), 1970 (10th), 1982 (10th), 1986 (4th), 1990 (11th), 1994 (11th), 1998 (19th), 2002

Overall Record in WC: 9-16-7

Record vs. U.S.: 2-1-0; 3 GF, 3 GA

Most Recent Match vs. U.S.: Belgium 2, U.S. 0 in Brussels, Belgium; February 25, 1998 (Van Kerckoven-2)

Manager: Robert Waseige (BEL)

Key Players: Emile Mpenza (F, Schalke 04), Marc Wilmots (M, Schalke 04)

Fast Facts: The Red Devils will be appearing in their sixth consecutive World Cup, a current streak matched only by world powers Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy and Spain.... They are the first team to ever actually qualify for six consecutive World Cups (discounting hosts and defending champs) .... Semifinalists at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, their best-ever finish, they were eliminated 2-0 by Argentina (with Maradona scoring both goals).... Led in qualifying by Schalke 04 forward Marc Wilmots with eight goals.