Robert Waseige, 62, is a popular figure in Belgium and, as a result, could afford to get away with the poor showing at Euro 2000, where the co-hosts failed to get beyond the group stage.

He played for FC Liege, Racing White and KFC Winterslag (now Racing Genk) before becoming coach of Winterslag in 1972.

Waseige joined Standard Liege as manager in 1976 before returning to Winterslag three years later.

Between 1981-99 he coached Standard Liege, Lokeren, FC Liege and Charleroi in Belgium as well as Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

He took over as national boss in 1999, with his ability to speak both French and Flemish immediately endearing him to the media.

His position was never under threat after Euro 2000, even when he had to undergo emergency heart surgery.

He rewarded the loyal support by securing the side's qualification for the World Cup finals with victory over the Czech Republic in a two-legged play-off.