Garcia issues challenge to Spain

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia made notable comments at the press conference ahead of their crucial World Cup quarterfinal against Spain. The manager accepted that his team is seen as the "underdog," while nonetheless striking a defiant tone.

Speaking through an interpreter, Garcia said: "Everyone is already talking about us going home. But we think that we can do it. We think we can pull it off, and we're going to do everything we can to get to the semis." These words clearly laid out the mindset with which Belgium are preparing for the contest.

The manager did not shy away from praising Spain's quality and their possession-based style of play. Garcia said: "We know we are playing one of the favourites. Spain are probably the best at ball possession and they have been playing in a recognisable way for 15 or 20 years." However, following this praise, he also clearly expressed his belief in his own team's strength: "But we have a great team. We are the second-highest scorers in the World Cup and we are facing the team with the highest expected goals. We think we can do it."

In his comments, Garcia also recalled that they had beaten the United States 4-1 away from home in front of a hostile crowd, emphasizing that an unfriendly atmosphere would not unsettle his players. The manager said: "We just beat the US in a stadium where everyone was against us. It's not the crowd that scores the goals. We will focus on what we can do. We have enough on our plate with Spain, who are a wonderful footballing team. Even if we are the underdogs, we will do everything we can to give them a run for their money."

Image: NTV Spor