Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has pushed back against suggestions that his squad are past their prime, defending his 'four leaders' ahead of a crucial last-32 World Cup clash with Senegal on Wednesday. The Red Devils secured top spot in Group G with a resounding 5-1 victory over New Zealand, but criticism of their earlier performances has lingered.
Garcia Hits Back at 'Has-Beens' Label
In a curt post-match press conference after the New Zealand win, Garcia addressed an article in the French-language Belgian newspaper La Libre that compared Kevin De Bruyne to a washed-up Hollywood actor following a flat display against Iran. 'I really didn't appreciate them being called has-beens,' Garcia said. 'When a nation has players of that calibre, you support them.' He praised his 'four leaders' – De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Leandro Trossard – who combined to dismantle New Zealand.
Breakthrough Performance Against New Zealand
Belgium's 5-1 win was their first at the tournament where they scored themselves, after an own goal against Egypt accounted for their only previous goal. Trossard's opener came after 45 attempts and over 200 minutes of play, following comical defending where Chris Wood and Tim Payne inadvertently marked each other. De Bruyne got on the scoresheet, Lukaku headed in 56 seconds after coming off the bench, and Charles De Ketelaere added the fifth. The result secured top spot in Group G and, theoretically, an easier path in the knockout stage.
Pressure and Perspective
When asked if the comprehensive victory had eased the pressure, Garcia deferred to De Ketelaere at a press conference in Seattle. 'Are you under pressure? Has the game against New Zealand changed anything?' Garcia asked his player. De Ketelaere referenced the early exits of Germany and the Netherlands, saying: 'Yesterday showed us that to be favourites or not doesn't matter.' Garcia added with a smile: 'Le même chose.'
Despite the undercurrent of negativity, Belgium have not lost since a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in Garcia's first game in charge, 16 months ago. They were unbeaten in qualifying, scoring 29 goals, including back-to-back six-goal hauls and a 7-0 win against Liechtenstein. Garcia also has a healthy squad, with Jérémy Doku, De Ketelaere and Lukaku improving fitness and Zeno Debast available after a leg injury.
Senegal Challenge Ahead
Belgium face Senegal, ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings – eight places below them. Senegal finished third in a tough group featuring France, Norway and Iraq. Garcia expects a tough challenge but has a personal connection with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, whom he helped discover during his time at Saint-Étienne. 'I was following young players and I told Robert: "You should have a look at this young Senegalese player,"' Garcia recalled. 'It's funny because I had forgotten about it but when we saw each other in December for the draw we hugged and he reminded me. But his career is something that he built – he was a wonderful player and now a wonderful coach. He's a good man, but I'm going to defeat him, which is too bad for him.'
Path Forward
If Belgium progress, they could face the USA in the last 16. In a friendly in Atlanta in March, Belgium overpowered Mauricio Pochettino's side 5-2. Victory over New Zealand also allowed Belgium to remain in Seattle, where they have been based for three weeks at the Seattle Sounders' training headquarters. Garcia downplayed the advantage: 'It's not a big advantage.'
