Martinez happy with Belgium being boring

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has apologised to journalists for making their lives harder by putting an end to the dramas and in-fighting that have characterised Belgian squads in the past.

Martinez’s side kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Panama and aim to continue to let their football do the talking.

Speaking to reporters before today’s Group G match against Tunisia, the former Wigan and Everton manager said: “We don’t want to be boring but we’re a football team – we’re not here to fill pages. We’re here to work and to fit all the exceptional talent we have on the field.

“OK, we have lots of players who are big stars at their clubs but we’re not here to find blame or look for ways out. I’m sure it’s been really boring for you but I’m pleased with the way it’s going.”

Martinez was a surprise appointment in 2016, having endured a difficult end to his time at Goodison Park, but his Belgian side have lost just once in 21 games and are ranked third in the world. “World Cups don’t respect reputations or names, the only thing that matters is what happens on the pitch,” said Martinez. “All we’ve done so far is qualify. So you can analyse it from the outside any way you want but we will work as a team and improve on the Panama game, retain the good things we did and go from there.”

For Tunisia, today’s game will be an expression of their Arab identity. With Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia eliminated, Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul said: “There is no doubt the eyes of the Arab world are pinned on us and we feel that sense of pressure – we know we can’t lose.”