Morocco have got incredible belief, says Belgium coach
BELGIUM head coach Roberto Martinez has said that Morocco have got incredible belief ahead of their Group F encounter in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of their match, Martinez showered praise on Morocco, saying their team has got incredible belief and play eye to eye against any opponent.
“Emotionally, this team plays eye to eye against anyone. It’s got an incredible belief. I think the coach Walid (Walid Regragui) is transmitting that to the players. I think Morocco will bring that sort of game, eye to eye, they believe in their strengths, we believe in our strengths. It’s two teams who build on their attacking qualities,” said Martinez.
The former Everton manager shed light on star striker Romelu Lukaku’s injury, saying he is training well but doesn’t expect him to feature against Morocco.
“He’s ahead of what he should be. He’s trained twice now with the group and the signs are very good. We need to see how he reacts today and then he’s going to have another training session. I don’t expect him to be involved tomorrow unless something goes extremely well today and it could be a little bit of an adaptation to be with the group, 100 per cent not to start,” Martinez added.
He spoke about Belgium’s close 1-0 win against Canada, insisting their performance wasn’t up to the mark.
“I think against Canada, in the first half we were very, very below par. In the second half there was an improvement and it’s important that we use our players to help the team, depending how the game goes (against Morocco). If you ask me the game tomorrow is all about controlling the game and being ourselves from the first second until the 90th minute,” said Martinez.
Belgium have been drawn alongside Morocco, Canada and Croatia in the group-stage of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.