Debutant reports after 24-hour flight and emergency landing with Red Devils

Cuypers endured a 24-hour journey with emergency landing in Orlando but arrived in time for his Belgium debut after impressing new coach Van Bommel with six goals in Mexico.

Hugo Cuypers made his first appearance for Belgium on Tuesday after an eventful 24-hour journey from Mexico. The 29-year-old Monterrey striker was called up by new coach Mark van Bommel following six goals in the Mexican league this season, earning his first senior cap after being overlooked for the World Cup by previous manager Rudi Garcia despite strong MLS form with Chicago Fire.

Cuypers' travel to Belgium was complicated by an emergency landing in Orlando when a passenger suffered an allergic reaction during his initial 10-hour flight to Madrid. The diversion cost two hours, causing him to miss his connection to Brussels and adding another three hours of delay. Despite the exhausting journey, he appeared refreshed at Tuesday's press conference after a good night's sleep.

"I've only been here 24 hours, but this tastes like more," Cuypers said. "This is the highest thing you can achieve in football. I hope it's not just this one time." Van Bommel has not guaranteed further caps, but Cuypers expressed his readiness: "If the coach needs me, I'm there."