Agency :
Make it into the Champions League with Wolfsburg and reach the European Championships finals next summer. These are the lofty goals of Belgian international Koen Casteels.
The 26-year-old might be far from what you call one of football’s glittering stars, but avoiding public spot-light didn’t stop the reserved goalkeeper from slowly developing into one of Europe’s best.
In an interview with Xinhua, Casteels spoke of Belgium’s chances to reach the Euro final, his steady journey up to his clubs’ No. 1, his idol Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar, and the pleasure he derives from keeping clean sheets.
“We have a good opportunity with a strong Belgian team to reach the final or the semifinals at least,” the keeper said ahead of the league encounter against Bremen.
“A major tournament like the Euros is always something to look forward to. This time it might be a slightly stranger thing due to the COVID pandemic.”
He called the chance to qualify for the Champions League an amazing thought as his side currently sits third in the German national league after 25 rounds of matches.
Casteels praised his team’s well-oiled organization as the primary reason for success, only as a side effect mentioning his significant contribution. “I am also part of that because I think I saved a few difficult shots.”
