Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said that the players held a meeting where they expressed their honest views on how they can save their performance at the World Cup in Qatar.
Belgium came to the World Cup in Qatar as the second team in the world and one of the favorites, but played poorly in a 1-0 win against Canada, before losing to Morocco 0-2 on Sunday.
In the last round on Thursday, Belgium needs a win against Croatia to qualify for the round of 16. In Group F, Croatia and Morocco each have four points, Belgium has three, and Canada has no points.
Courtois and Belgium captain Eden Hazard dismissed allegations of infighting within the squad that erupted after the defeat to Morocco. Courtois said that he and his teammates had a frank exchange of views at the training camp of the national team in Al Rayyan.
– I didn’t think there were any problems, but it’s always good to get together so we can share our thoughts. That way everything is solved and I think it’s best to be honest since we have to fight for each other on the field. The most important thing is, to be honest – stated the goalkeeper of Real Madrid.
A lot of attention was caused by the statement of national team member Kevin De Bruyne before the tournament, who, when asked if his team can win the World Cup, answered for the Guardian: “No way, we are too old.”
In the game against Canada, Belgium had six players in their thirties in the starting line-up, and four of them had more than 100 caps for the national team. One of them is Jan Vertonghen, who mentioned his teammate’s statement after the match with Morocco.
– Where did we go wrong? We probably attack poorly because we are too old, must be because of that. – he stated.
Hazard said he spoke with De Bruyne, who “believes in the team more than ever”.
– Sometimes in statements you say funny things that you don’t really mean. I think he just wanted to say that we are older than we were four years ago (in Russia). And he is right, we are older – he stated.
– They are all older. Defensive players. We, the midfielders. Thibaut is older than he was four years ago, that’s how it is. I think Kevin is the first to believe in this group, otherwise, he wouldn’t be here – added Hazard.
He urged the team to play without fear against Croatia, the current vice-champion of the world. – In two days, it could be our last game and we have to play with the desire to win. If we are united on the field, with 11 players, we can beat Croatia. I know it will be difficult, as every game in the World Cup is difficult, but we can do it. With the team we have, we can do it – said, Hazard.
The last round of matches in Group F between Croatia and Belgium and Morocco and Canada will be played on Thursday at 4 pm.
(Source: Beta)
