Showing posts with label Russia World Cup 2018. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russia World Cup 2018. Show all posts

Wednesday, 4 July 2018

Belgium Not Relenting Over Brazil's Individual Talent



Vincent Kompany insists Belgium are losing no sleep over Brazil's qualities ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash on Friday.


While Brazil overcame Mexico in comfortable fashion, Roberto Martinez's side needed Nacer Chadli's 94th-minute strike to progress past Japan.

In the aftermath of Belgium's dramatic victory on Monday, Martinez claimed the Red Devils had nothing to fear heading into the clash with Brazil, adding that it would suit his side not to be considered favourites.

And Kompany, who made his first start of the tournament against Japan after recovering from injury, echoed his manager's thoughts.

"Individually, Brazil are the strongest team in this World Cup," he told reporters.

"That is a compliment but it doesn't affect our chances against them. None of us are going to sleep at night thinking we have already lost to Brazil.

"Defensively they are solid, they win all their defensive duels and in attack, they are not scared to take people on one on one. They always have a key to unlock any situation.

"We are going to look them in the eye. But if we make this a match of individuals, then we'll lose.

"If it becomes a match of individual performances we've got no chance. If we play as a team, if we fight for each other, we can do it and that's what matters to me."

Under Martinez, Belgium have looked to develop a possession-based style, with the former Everton boss often preferring a 3-4-3 system to incorporate the Red Devils' array of attacking talent.

And Kompany affirmed that, despite some shaky defensive displays - as exhibited against Japan - Belgium's players have full belief in the Spaniard's approach.

"We have developed an attractive style of football, we have scored a lot of goals and showed our good side," said Kompany.

"We're constantly improving. We just have to step up to another level against Brazil. At least I hope we can."

Jose Mourinho Surprised By England Antrics Against Colombia



Portuguese Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was full of surprise by England's antics against Colombia, criticising defender Harry Maguire for diving.


England progressed from the last-16 clash at the World Cup, winning 4-3 on penalties after the 1-1 draw in Moscow Tuesday.

But there were eight yellow cards shown during a tempestuous encounter and it was the approach of Gareth Southgate's men that surprised Mourinho.

The Portuguese tactician singled out Maguire, accusing the Leicester City defender of diving to try to win a penalty.

"The negative thing for me was the fact… I think there is exaggeration on theatre by the players," he told Russia Today.

"I was surprised to see central defenders like Harry Maguire, normally he is a very honest guy, diving in the attacking box asking the referee for VAR.

"Every team has lots of diving, lots of pretending, lots of putting pressure on the referee.

"The game loses quality… and for me that was the negative point."

Colombia received six of the eight yellow cards for the game, including one for Wilmar Barrios for an apparent headbutt on Jordan Henderson.

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