Belgium-Portugal friendly moved from Brussels to Leiria after bombing
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The friendly between the Belgium and Portugal national teams scheduled for next week has been moved to Leria, Portugal, in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday, the Belgian soccer federation announced on Wednesday.
The team had announced earlier Wednesday morning that the match would be canceled, but later accepted a proposal from the Portuguese Football Federation to relocate the match instead.
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The match, which was to be played at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, was originally canceled at the request of the city. It will be held next Tuesday, maintaining its previously scheduled date and time.
The Belgian national team canceled its practice on Tuesday in response to the attack, but will hold a closed practice on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, terrorists detonated bombs at the Brussels Zaventem airport and at a nearby metro station, killing at least 34 people and wounding 250, according to the BBC. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Throughout the day, Belgian athletes posted messages on social media offering support and prayers for the victims and their families.
- Erin Flynn
