With over 500 matches at the highest level as a player and 400 as a coach, Thorsten Fink’s backpack is filled with a solid portion of experience. In the run-up to the top match against Club Brugge, he logically preached calm. Van Crombrugge, Kayembe and Hrosvosky had to add the necessary experience to the team. The 18-year-old Kongolo took a place in central defense. A place in midfield was also reserved for newcomer Sattlberger.
First half
The summer sun provided inspiration for our revamped eleven. Not even three minutes in and Tolu had already had two big chances on crosses from Hrosovsky and Bonsu. On the other side, Van Crombrugge had a good reflex on a punt from Nilsson. With Steuckers as a pivot and an energetic Bonsu, our boys dictated the law in a further reserved first half after a fierce opening on both sides. The chances continued to be made by Genk. Mignolet had a good reflex on an effort from Tolu again. We were in control and seemed to be heading to the dressing room with a draw, until Club Brugge suddenly took the lead just before half-time. After a quick switch, Nusa passed the ball to Skov Olsen who left Van Crombrugge without a chance from close range. Despite a lot of good will and grit, we were still smitten. It was up to our boys to turn the tide in the second half.
Second half
Just like in the first half, our boys also took charge during the second period. Tolu came up a toe short on a good cross from Kayembe. Bonsu just couldn’t reach the infiltrating Nkuba. But just like in the first half, the goal was scored on the other side, against the run of play. After a pinball situation, Skov Olsen scored his second of the afternoon. Previous handball by Nilsson was not seen by either Laforge or the VAR. Time for Fink to intervene. With a quadruple substitution, he brought Heynen, Sor, Kos and Zaka between the lines in one go. And so we immediately got justice. Mechele controlled a cross from Kos with his arm in the 16. This time the referee did see handball in it. From 11, Steuckers coolly brought us back into the game. With a wild Cegeka Arena in support, we grabbed Club Brugge by the throat. After his goal, he painted the ball beautifully on Tolu’s head a little later. The Nigerian left Mignolet without a chance and brought us alongside. The fourth official indicated 11 minutes of extra time. The signal for the Genk supporters to get behind the team one last time. The Genk pressure continued until Hrosovsky caused delirium in the 94th minute. On a loose ball he left Mignolet without a chance with a tight shot. The Cegeka arena exploded. We beat Club Brugge at home and look forward with confidence to the away match against Beerschot.
Thorsten Fink: “We played against a well-organized team. In the first half we played well, but still conceded a goal. In the second half we immediately conceded the 0-2, but I am proud of how we got back into the game. The quadruple substitution made the difference. We turned the game completely around. Today the team showed everything you need in football. Belief, even in difficult moments. That ensured the victory. Next week we have a completely different game again and we have to be ready again.”
Line-up
Van Crombrugge, Sadick, Smets, Kongolo (’64 Heynen), Kayembe, Nkuba (’64 El Ouahdi), Sattlberger (’64 Heynen), Hrosovsky, Bonsu Baah (’64 Sor), Steuckers (’90 McKenzie) and Tolu.
Goals
’45 0-1 Skov Olsen
’60 0-2 Skov Olsen
’68 1-2 Steuckers
’83 2-2 Third
’90+4 3-2 Hrosovsky