Belgium coach Rudi Garcia laments skepticism ahead of World Cup quarter-final against Spain

Despite the criticism, Garcia affirmed that his team possesses strengths and is determined to prove its worth on the field. He acknowledged Spain as one of the tournament favorites, highlighting their collective strength over two decades and their current defensive solidity, having not conceded a goal. Garcia, a 62-year-old French coach, stated that statistics are meant to be challenged.

He emphasized Belgium's attacking prowess, noting they are the second-highest scoring team in the World Cup with 13 goals, and vowed that his team would strive to score and not merely endure the match. Garcia confirmed that all players are available, except for Amadou Onana, who sustained a serious knee injury in the round of 16 against the United States. He also mentioned the unique situation of defender Zeno Debast, who is medically cleared by the national team staff but whose club, Sporting Portugal, is reportedly preventing him from playing.

Garcia praised the quality of his bench players, who demonstrated their ability to turn a game around in the 3-2 victory against Senegal in the round of 16. He has used 18 different players as starters since the beginning of the tournament, making his team unpredictable. Garcia added that the team aims to show they deserve to be in the quarter-finals and can advance