Martinez ‘privileged’ to work with Belgium stars

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez admits he is “privileged” to have such a strong squad at his disposal and believes his players are capable of anything.

The Red Devils’ so-called golden generation begin their Group G campaign today against finals debutants Panama in Sochi.

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku are among the attacking options in Martinez’s squad.

Keeper Thibaut Courtois and defenders Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld provide strength at the other end.

The glittering array of talent has seen Belgium installed as one of the tournament favourites and Spaniard Martinez hopes he can mould his stars into an effective team unit.

“We’ve said it for a long time now, we’re privileged to have this sort of group of players, not just with their skills, but I think it’s more their attitude and the way they are ambassadors for Belgian football,” said Martinez at his pre-match press conference.

Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez, who took the unusual step of naming his team a day before the game, believes Belgium are potential trophy winners.

“We aren’t favourites, but anything can happen if we have a good day,” said the Colombian, according to fifa.com.

“Belgium have (some of) the best players in the world – they are candidates to lift the cup.”

Sweden coach Janne Andersson has played down a spying row with South Korea ahead of today’s Group F clash between the countries.

One of the Andersson’s coaching staff attended a Korea training session during their pre-tournament camp in Austria and was asked to leave.

Andersson, whose side beat Italy in a play-off to qualify, insists it was a simple misunderstanding as they had thought the session was open to the public.

Speaking through an interpreter at his pre-match press conference, Andersson said: “He heard about a practice session. He didn’t understand it was a closed session and he was asked to leave.It is very important that we show respect for opponents, always and in every way. If it has been perceived in another way, we apologise.”

The matter does not seem to have fazed Korea coach Shin Taeyong, although he admits attempting to confuse onlookers at recent sessions by switching player numbers.

Speaking at his press conference through an interpreter, Shin said: “I think we wanted to confuse the Swedish team. That is why we did that.

“I think all coaches probably feel that the other team is spying on them. I think it is natural to try to understand the other team.”

Roberto Martinez: leads his team into action against Panama today.