It was an eventful day in Belgium on Thursday, as the Red Devils announced both their squad selection to face Ivory Coast in a friendly on March 5 and unveiled their new jerseys for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The jerseys come in three colors: black, yellow, and red.
According to the manufacturer Burrda Sport, the new jerseys are crafted from a “mesh-shaped fabric” designed to absorb excess perspiration and channel it outside in the form of vapor. Additional ventilation is provided by small ventilation holes laser-cut under the arms, along with welded seams, an anti-bacterial treatment, and technology to prevent the accumulation of dirt and static electricity.
On the selection front, the notable returns are defenders Thomas Vermaelen and Anthony Vanden Borre. The rest of the squad remains largely unchanged, featuring key players such as Sylvain Mignolet, Romelu Lukaku, and Eden Hazard, who is making a comeback from injury.
The Ivorian team will face a formidable opponent on March 5, with Belgium boasting a strong lineup:
Goalkeepers: Casteels, Courtois, Mignolet
Defenders: Alderweireld, Ciman, Kompany, Lombaerts, Pocognoli, Van Buyten, Vanden Borre, Vertonghen
Midfielders: Chadli, Dembele, Fellaini, Nainggolan, Simons, Witsel
Forwards: Benteke, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku, Mertens, Mirallas
