SEATTLE (AP) — By leading Group G and advancing to the knockout stages, Belgium has already improved on its dismal performance in the tournament. world cup 4 years ago.
Belgium, who finished in a historic third place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, failed to make it past the group stage at the 2022 Qatar tournament. the Won against New Zealand 5-1 On Friday night, Belgium won their group and achieved what coach Rudi Garcia had hoped for the club.
Ahead of Wednesday’s first round match against Senegal, Garcia expressed his satisfaction with the group’s achievements and expressed his desire to continue improving. Belgium had one win and two draws in group play.
“We wanted to pass the group stage in first place, and we succeeded,” Garcia said in French. “Of course we wanted to win more. We know the story of the World Cup so far. Now it’s time for the final tournament. Senegal is a big team, but if we want to go far in the World Cup, we have to beat them too.”
For Belgium’s participation in the tournament to be considered a success, they must first beat the Senegalese team, who finished third in Group I with three points and a goal difference of plus two. The African team made it through one of the toughest groups in the tournament, a group that included favorites France and Erling Haaland’s Norway.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game.” Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku he said in French on Monday. “Senegal has a lot of top-level players, and so does the coach. I think it’s 50-50. We shouldn’t underestimate them.”
Given what happened in the Round of 32 immediately after Lukaku’s comments, Belgium would be wise to heed Lukaku’s warning. Germany Lost to unknown Paraguay in penalty shootout meanwhile Morocco forced the Netherlands into their earliest World Cup exit on Monday night.
Belgium knows they will have to be careful on Wednesday despite the odds of beating Senegal. Otherwise, it could suffer the same fate as European countries.
“It doesn’t matter who is the favorite to win,” said Belgian striker Charles de Ketelaer. “We’re confident and we need to be sharp. Yesterday we showed that it doesn’t matter if we’re the favorites or not.”
Meanwhile, Senegal will hope star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has the attacking power to find the back of the net and score against stingy Belgium, who have conceded two goals in three games. Senegal led by Sadio Mane emerges Iraq’s 5-0 rout.
However, Senegal will also be weak defensively. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is injured. Lost to Norway 3-2 According to coach Pape Tiau, the team will not be able to play in group play on Wednesday. Substitute Molly Diaw, who started in place of Mendy against Iraq, is likely to start again.
“Molly gave a great performance,” Thiau said in French. “He got a clean sheet. Tomorrow, as goalkeepers, I hope we can get a clean sheet too.”
Even if Senegal has to rely on Diaw, Thiau is confident his team can pull off an upset, as Paraguay and Morocco did on Monday.
“Just because we pass first in the group doesn’t mean we won’t be eliminated in the next round,” Thiau said. “That’s exactly what happened against the Netherlands. Another tournament begins and we are aiming for a win tomorrow to continue our journey.”
Devasto has been removed from the lineup.
Center back Zeno De Basto has not played in this summer’s World Cup matches. Because of my injury, Garcia said he is available for Wednesday’s game, but is not expected to start.
Devast I attended my first training session on Monday. After undergoing an MRI on Saturday for an injury to his left foot. He practiced again Tuesday with tape on his left knee.
“Xeno De Basto has joined the group, but tomorrow is still too early,” Garcia said. “Nonetheless, he is progressing. As expected, he still needs time to be fully fit. We are very happy with the defenders we have already called up.”
___
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
