China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Belgium braces for toughest test
ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia — Coach Roberto Martinez said Belgium passed “a test of character” in Monday’s 3-2 injury-time victory over Japan, and that it bodes well for his team’s World Cup quarterfinal against Brazil.
“In the World Cup you want to be perfect — but it’s about getting through, it’s about winning,” said the Spaniard, who was hired by Belgium after a side packed with English Premier League talent collapsed against Wales in the Euro 2016 quarterfinal.
“This is down to the personality, to the focus, to the desire, to the never-give-up attitude of this group of players,” Martinez said after substitute Nacer Chadli slammed home four minutes into stoppage time, breaking the hearts of Japan fans who watched their side score twice early in the second half.
“It was a test of character and you see the reaction of our subs coming on to win the game,” Martinez said. “It tells you everything about this group of players.”
His other substitute, Marouane Fellaini, scored Belgium’s 74th-minute equalizer.
Run ragged at times by the skilful and determined Samurai Blue, who are 58 places behind them at 61st in FIFA’s world rankings, the Red Devils will look hard at their defensive frailties and difficulties in turning pressure into goals before they face Brazil in the quarterfinal in just four days.
“No negatives today, it was about getting through,” Martinez said.
“It is a day to be very proud of my players. They passed a test of character. Keep believing in Belgium.”
For Friday’s quarterfinal against Brazil, Martinez said his side would draw on the lessons of Rostov, when after an apprehensive first half as a heavy favorite they had to attack with “nothing to lose” to get back into the match.
Against Brazil, which Martinez believes is the best team in the tournament, no one will expect too much from Belgium and the players are relishing that opportunity to try to cause an upset.
Chadli called his winner “a goal for an entire nation”.
At times Martinez’s decision to rest almost his entire first team in a largely meaningless final group win over England on Thursday looked questionable as Belgium struggled to find each other in the face of buzzing Japanese defense across the park.
But, as Japan coach Akira Nishino conceded, the strength of Belgian subs, who had clearly benefitted from the game time in the 1-0 win over England, made the difference over the last 25 minutes.