Vic Chambaere’s penalty heroics and fan‑taunting spark Union SG drama
While 23‑year‑old Belgian goalkeeper Vic Chambaere unexpectedly became the hero of Union SG’s Supercup triumph over Club Brugge, his post‑match antics – teasing the Brugse fans and confronting new competition for the starting spot – revealed a contrasting blend of confidence and provocation.
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Union SG claimed the first prize of the season by defeating Club Brugge on penalties in the Supercup, with the decisive moment coming from the Doelman Vic Chambaere.
The 23‑year‑old Belg, normally the second goalkeeper, crowned himself match‑winner by stopping Cheveyo Tsawa’s decisive penalty, later laughing, "Of ik wist in welke hoek hij zou trappen? Ja. Hij had daar eerder al eens gemist."
AA Gent’s Doelman Davy Roef had earlier produced a notebook during a penalty shootout, but Chambaere kept it simpler, saying, "We had also a list with information. But ultimately it also comes down to your feeling. If you choose a corner, you must go with full conviction."
Chambaere added that psychological games matter, noting, "You must sometimes play a bit the 'klootzakje'. Emiliano Martínez is an example for me. What exactly I say to the players? I keep that to myself. It's not serious things, but they hear and understand it."
After the decisive save, he could not resist teasing the Brugse fans; when he fetched his drink bottle for the Brugge spionkop, several cups of beer were thrown at him. He responded with a broad smile, a hand gesture toward the tribune and another wave, provoking boos that he shrugged off.
With the departure of Kjell Scherpen, Chambaere now has the chance to become Union’s first goalkeeper, though the position is not yet secure as Hervé Koffi is about to join the Brussels side.
He said, "It is not yet decided who will be first goalkeeper. I want to fight for my place. The club wants two full‑fledged first keepers and competition makes everyone better."
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