SITTARD, May 11 (SW) - Belgium exacted a bit of revenge on Thursday, defeating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a friendly in the Netherlands as the Asian qualifiers prepare for this summer's finals.

In the only other meeting between these two nations, at the 1994 finals in the USA, Saudi Arabia got a fifth-minute goal by Saeed al-Owairan that held up to beat the Red Devils 1-0, although both sides would advance to the last 16.

Playing at the Wagner & Partners Stadion in Sittard, it was the Belgians who jumped out to an early lead after three minutes as 28-year-old debutant Tom Caluwé took a pass from Karel Geraerts, fought off two Saudi defenders and fired home for a 1-0 lead.

The Saudis, though, were level in the 33rd minute as a free kick by Nawaf al-Temyat took a deflection off the head of Belgium captain Bart Goor before going into the net with goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen helpless.

Early in the second half, it looked like Saudi Arabia were going to take the lead, but with Yasser al-Qatani set to get the goal, he was ruled offside, although replays appeared to indicate the decision was incorrect.

In the 55th minute it came to haunt them as Belgium retook the lead, Anthony Vanden Borre firing low into Mohamed al-Deayea's goal from the edge of the area after a nice backheel from Kevin Vandenbergh.

Later in the half, Belgium twice came close to extending the lead, but Thomas Buffell wasted an effort and al-Deayea - making his world record 181st appearance for his country - saved well from a Stein Huysegems shot.

The Saudis, who will play in World Cup Group H with Spain, Ukraine and Tunisia, next play Togo in Sittard on Sunday.