Belgium coach Rudi Garcia says he is not criticizing African football, saying “that team” lost its tactical form following an improbable come-from-behind victory over Senegal. world cup.
Belgium came back from a 2-0 deficit to win. A dramatic 3-2 victory, They scored a goal late in overtime on Wednesday and will next face the United States in Seattle on Monday.
Senegal led 2-0 with five minutes remaining, but late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans sent the Round of 32 match into extra time. Tielemans then converted a penalty kick in the 125th minute.
Garcia was interviewed on television immediately after the match. He said: “We know those teams and they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the game.”
He added: “We also knew that at 2-0 (lead) they were going to do everything they could to defend their goal. In my opinion, that was a big mistake. I would like to remind them not to do that when you are 2-0 up.”
Garcia’s comments were taken by some observers as pointing out the shortcomings of African football. 62 years old french I posted a message on Instagram To clarify his words Thursday night, he said they were in no way a criticism of African teams.
“When I spoke of ‘that team’ I was referring to a team that is not used to holding a lead in high-level World Cup matches. My comments were in no way directed at African teams,” Garcia said.
“They could have just as easily applied it to teams in Asia, South America or Europe who are not used to such pressure. As an inexperienced coach myself, I learned painfully that stopping play to protect results at all costs is counterproductive.”
Opta, the statistician, reminded Garcia of that. Post a message to X He said that when he was coaching French soccer, he lost three games after leading 2-0 in Ligue 1.
Garcia led Lille to a league title and a French Cup double in 2011. He then managed Marseille and Lyon, as well as Italy’s Roma and Napoli. in charge of belgium In January of last year. ___
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