After 12 years in the wilderness, Belgium returned to the World Cup their first appearance since 1970. Guy Thys was the man tasked with guiding them back.
Reaching the second group stage was an achievement for Belgium, who found the competition at that level fierce and unforgiving. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 3 in 5 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
Belgium experienced an inconsistent group stage, and the mixed results were not enough to go through. Their campaign featured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Argentina, a hard-fought 1-0 win against El Salvador, a 1-1 draw with Hungary, a heavy 0-3 defeat to Poland, and a narrow 0-1 loss to Soviet Union. Despite competing with determination in the second the opening round, Belgium's journey ended before the final.
2won1drawn2lost
3scored5conceded
Failed to score in 2 of 5 matches advanced to the second group stage.
Ludo Coeck led Belgium's attack with 1 goal at the 1982 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Vandenbergh and Czerniatynski, all with 1.
Conceded in only 3 of 5 matches
The tactical mind behind Belgium's 1982 campaign. Leading Belgium at his first World Cup 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses under Thys.
Belgium's midfield was a key aspect of their strategy, with players like Ludo Coeck providing defensive solidity while Erwin Vandenbergh offered attacking flair. The team's approach often relied on quick passes and clever movement to outmaneuver opponents.
