Belgium will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the Italians until the final
'In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams'
Axel Witsel, centre, of Belgium warms up with the team during a training session.
The Euro 2016 draw has opened
up for Belgium, but Marc Wilmots' side are still to confirm their title
credentials before their round of 16 match against undefeated Hungary on
Sunday.
Belgium finished second in Group E after an opening defeat by Italy,
but Wilmots refuses to see it as a blessing in disguise, even if the
draw means they will avoid Spain, Germany, France, England and the
Italians until the final.
Concerned about the pressure on his team, the coach hinted that he would rather face one of the heavyweights.
"These are games in which you have nothing to lose," he told
reporters. "Matches like we played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup
are nicer.
"In this Euro there are no easy games, no small teams," he added. "They criticised us for losing to Wales (during qualification) and look where they are now."
Belgium's prospects have improved with the draw - bookmaker William
Hill has slash their championship odds from 11/1 to 11/2 - but Wilmots
is yet to prove he can make the most of his talented squad.
They were outworked and out thought against Italy, but romped to
victory against Ireland in perhaps the best performance yet by this
collection of talented players.
Despite Wilmots' bullish response to critics after this match, hopes
Belgium had turned the corner were deflated when they again lacked
fluency against Sweden.
Wilmots insisted Belgium had grown since their opener, but conceded that there was still much to improve.
Euro 2016 joint top scorers Hungary may have a taste for blood after
giving Portugal an almighty scare in a 3-3 draw on Wednesday, but they
will face a sterner test from a Belgium defence eyeing a third straight
clean sheet.
That thrilling game also exposed Hungary's defensive deficiencies and
they should provide Belgium with ample opportunity to rediscover the
attacking coherency they demonstrated against Ireland.
For that match, the introduction of Mousa Dembele was decisive in
providing midfield mobility that had previously been lacking, although
an ankle knock picked up in that match may mean Radja Nainggolan again
partners Axel Witsel.
Hungary coach Bernd Storck has demonstrated an admirable tactical
flexibility, giving all of his 20 outfield players some action and has
hinted at more changes for Sunday's match.
Adam Lang will likely continue at right back with Attila Fiola
injured and attacking midfielder Zoltan Gera should return after being
injured against Portugal.
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