‘Everyone’ expects Spain to beat us, says Belgium coach

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia says his side is embracing its underdog status ahead of Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain, insisting his players are capable of producing a famous upset.

European champions Spain head into the clash in Los Angeles as overwhelming favourites after an impressive tournament in which they have yet to concede a goal.

Belgium, meanwhile, endured a more difficult route to the last eight. They narrowly topped their group after draws against Egypt and Iran before staging a late comeback to eliminate Senegal.

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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Garcia said he was unfazed by expectations that Belgium’s campaign would end against Spain.

“Everyone is already talking about us going home. But we think that we can do it,” Garcia said.

“We believe we can pull it off, and we’re going to do everything we can to reach the semi-finals.”

Belgium found their best form in Monday’s round-of-16 victory, thrashing co-hosts the United States 4-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Garcia highlighted his team’s attacking threat, noting that Belgium have scored 13 goals at the tournament — the third-highest total behind France and Argentina. Their 107 shots are also the second-most, behind only France, who have played one more match.

Asked whether he expected a predominantly American crowd in Los Angeles to be hostile after Belgium knocked out the United States, Garcia dismissed the concern.

“We just beat the US, obviously, and again at a stadium where everyone was against us. So I don’t think the conditions will be any more difficult tomorrow,” he said.

“It’s not the fans that score the goals. We’re going to focus on what we can do. We’ve got enough on our plate with the Spanish squad, which is a wonderful football team.

“Even if we’re the underdogs tomorrow, we’re going to do everything we can to give them a run for their money.”

Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku shared his coach’s confidence, saying Belgium have not come this far simply to make up the numbers.

“If you manage to get this far, then you’re not going to play a game just to go home,” Lukaku said.

“I think we also have the necessary talent. Tomorrow we need to play the perfect game.”