Nico Van Kerckhoven
Nicolas " Nico " Van Kerckhoven (* December 14 1970 in Lier, Antwerp, Flanders ) is a former Belgian footballer, who was in Germany for six years at Schalke 04 and one year for Borussia Mönchengladbach under contract. He played 42 international matches for the Belgian national team. Early in his career he played mostly on the left wing ( offense and defense ); in another career path he was increasingly used in central defense.
Sports career
Association
Before Nico Van Kerckhoven for the 1998/1999 season to the German Bundesliga club Schalke 04 moved, he played ten years for the Belgian Lierse SK Erstdivisionär. With the team Lierschen 1997 he was Belgian champion and so Van Kerckhoven was allowed in the following season, after they had Anorthosis Famagusta off in qualifying, start with his club in the Champions League. However, the Belgians left as the last of their group with just one point - more or less a chance - out. With the miners won Van Kerckhoven 2001 DFB-Pokal. A year later, he was even able to defend the title with the Royal Blues. Left-footed Van Kerckhoven was in both finals in the initial formation of Gelsenkirchen. Having been runner-up in 2001, Van Kerckhoven was allowed to compete in Europe's elite once again. However, this guest stayed just as unsuccessful as the first: Schalke 04 was set last.
After end of June 2004 ended his contract at Schalke, the ex-national players joined the league rivals Borussia Monchengladbach for a year. This season, he struggled with the Foals against relegation. In the end they reached the league with 15th place. Van Kerckhoven and VfL had in this one season, three different head coach. In spring 2005 he signed a two-year contract with Belgian first division club KVC Westerlo for the coming season. Although he wanted to finish in his home his active career in these two years, it was eventually five. His last game he played at the age of 39 years, 17 April 2010 against Cercle Brugge. Westerlo won the game 4-1 and Van Kerckhoven scored a penalty for intermediate 3-0.
National
His debut in the Belgian national team gave Van Kerckhoven on 29 May 1996 in a 2-2 draw against Italy. He played for his country at the 1998 World Championships (one use ) and 2002 ( two inserts ). At the European Championships, which took place in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2000, he stood in all three games of his choice on the court. His last game for the Red Devils, he had retired on 17 June 2002 at the World Cup in Japan and South Korea at 0-2 against Brazil, with Belgium in the second round.
Achievements
- 2 x DFB Cup winner: 2001 & 2002
- Belgian Champion 1997
- Belgian Supercup final 1997
- 2 x World Cup participants: 1998 & 2002
- European Football Cup 2000