FLASHBACK Belgium Participates in the First World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay Belgium took part in the very first World Cup in 1930, held in Uruguay. The Belgian team traveled to Latin America on the same ship as two other European teams. However, the Belgians indulged quite a bit during the journey, and several players arrived carrying extra weight.
Some even fell ill upon arrival in Uruguay.
The Red Devils played the very first World Cup match in history, facing the United States. At the same time, France was also playing their opening match. Belgium suffered a heavy defeat against the USA, losing 3-0. They also lost 1-0 to Paraguay. A third friendly match against a local team ended in another 3-0 loss. The host nation, Uruguay, went on to become world champions.
One Anderlecht player was part of the squad and played in both official matches: Ferdinand Adams, better known as Cassis (a combination of "kas," the Brussels word for goal, and "Ciske," because he resembled his nephew Ciske). Cassis spent his entire playing career at Anderlecht, from 1919 to 1934. In his later years, he served as player-coach. He played 284 matches, scoring 245 goals! For Belgium, he earned 23 caps and scored 9 goals.
He also played one season alongside Constant Vanden Stock. In the 1940s, he was Sporting's coach for three years. Cassis passed away on Christmas Day in 1985.
Source: © Internal source
In a flashback article, we look back in time at an important event for the club or a former player.
