VETERAN Belgian goalkeeper Michel Preud'homme defied the heat and Holland to gain his country an automatic place in the second phase of the World Cup after another Group F ordeal in the Citrus Bowl cauldron in Orlando.
Belgium went through 1-0 on the strength of a crisply taken goal by Philippe Albert in the 65th minute but it was the 35-year-old Preud'homme who was the Belgian hero.
He produced four breath-taking saves, none better than one in the closing minutes from Dennis Bergkamp which deflected and looked in the net until a late touch from Preud'homme sent it on to the bar.
Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who has plenty to worry about with Holland, led the praise for Preud'homme and said: ''We had the chances to equalise or win this game but the Belgian goalkeeper was very good. Now we must concentrate on beating Morocco.'' Preud'homme has been the last line for Belgium since the conclusion of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico but his performance in this crucial game will certainly have made his new bosses at Benfica very happy.
Transfer formalities between Benfica and his present side Mechelen were completed just before the World Cup and Preud'homme said: ''I am pleased to be going to Benfica and I am looking forward to a happy association but my real dream is to win the World Cup.
''This was probably the best game I have ever played for Belgium and I am very pleased. We are a good team and have a very good relationship with each other - that is an enormous help.'' On the day that Irish manager Jack Charlton was banned from the touchline for his behaviour in the game against Mexico, the horrendous climatic conditions in Orlando again aroused criticism.