Belgium should not in “crisis mode” forward of their essential World Cup match in opposition to Croatia regardless of rumours of infighting and division within the squad, full-back Timothy Castagne mentioned on Wednesday. The world’s second-ranked facet need to win on the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday to make certain of reaching the final 16 after a stunning 2-0 loss to Morocco. Belgium have reached at the least the quarter-finals at every of the previous 4 main tournaments however have struggled in Qatar, labouring to a 1-0 win over Canada of their opener.

However, Leicester defender Castagne mentioned spirits within the camp have been excessive.

“Our confidence isn’t as low as people think,” he mentioned. “We know that we have our destiny in our own hands. It’s true we didn’t play so well in the first two matches but we’re not in crisis mode like some people are saying in the press.”

Belgium should push for the win as a draw would go away them needing Morocco to lose closely to Canada to ensure that the Belgians to undergo.

Kevin De Bruyne mentioned earlier than the Morocco sport that Belgium have been “too old” to win the event, a remark Jan Vertonghen appeared to discuss with in an indignant post-match interview.

Seven of Belgium’s beginning XI in opposition to Morocco are of their 30s, whereas 10 of the 14 gamers who featured within the 2018 semi-final loss to eventual winners France are nonetheless within the squad.

Players held clear-the-air talks for over an hour after the defeat by the north African group.

“I don’t think Kevin meant anything bad by what he said and we know Italy won the Euros with (Leonardo) Bonucci and (Giorgio) Chiellini at the back, so age isn’t always a factor,” mentioned Castagne.

“I don’t think we should be targeting one or two players who have not been playing to the best of their ability. We’re all in this together… I don’t think age is a key factor and I don’t think we played badly because Kevin said that.”

– ‘Fake information’ –

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had already hit out at “invented stories” concerning the Belgian gamers and coach Roberto Martinez criticised “fake news” on Wednesday.

“Some people are quite happy to jump on fake news, which is quite astonishing,” mentioned the Spaniard.

“It shows you that maybe there is more desire to find negative news about the team rather than enjoy the best generation of talent that we’ve ever had in Belgian football.

“Whoever’s give you it (the rumours of an altercation) has scored a terrific purpose, an personal purpose for Belgium…. Whoever’s achieved it, is genius.”

Martinez defended his players, who have given Belgium an unprecedented period of success.

Six members of the current squad have won 100 caps or more, with Courtois set to join that club on Thursday.

“This technology is the golden technology of Belgian soccer, there isn’t a doubt,” said Martinez.

“They received a bronze medal on the 2018 World Cup and stored the nationwide group on the prime of the world rankings for 4 years…. Leaving a legacy goes rather a lot additional than successful a event.”

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