Garcia hails full-strength Belgium ahead of Senegal World Cup last-32 test
Rudi Garcia has a full squad to choose from for the first time at the tournament and hit back at criticism of his star players as Belgium take on Senegal in the World Cup round of 32 at Seattle's Lumen Field.
Belgium and Senegal meet at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday in a World Cup round-of-32 knockout match. Coach Rudi Garcia has a fully fit squad for the first time and dismissed concerns about underdog status after early exits by Germany and the Netherlands.
Full squad available
All 26 players trained on Tuesday at Belgium's Renton base, including defender Zeno Debast (recovering from a leg injury) and winger Leandro Trossard (back after a calf issue). Garcia said Debast will need time to regain full fitness but is not a problem because the defence has been solid, conceding only twice in three group games. The coach has used his bench aggressively and stressed that his five substitutes let him alter the team's shape.
What matters is not only the starting eleven.
Garcia defends his leaders
The French coach bristled at a newspaper article that described Kevin De Bruyne as a has-been after a flat display against Iran. He praised his "four leaders" (De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Trossard) and insisted the group-stage turnaround vindicates the squad's quality.
I really didn't appreciate them being called has beens. When a nation has players of that calibre, you support them.
Trossard's brace and goals from De Bruyne, Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere sealed a 5-1 win over New Zealand that took Belgium top of Group G after laboured draws with Egypt and Iran.
Lukaku's evolving role
Romelu Lukaku cannot yet play 90 minutes after a serious injury, but Garcia said even at 80% he is exceptional. The striker forced an own goal 22 seconds after coming on against Egypt and headed in 56 seconds after stepping off the bench against New Zealand. Garcia explained he starts Lukaku only when needed, preferring to introduce him against tiring defenders.
A Romelu at 80% remains an exceptional player. When he comes on against defenders at 70 or 80%, they are on the same level. And there, he scores and makes the difference.
Senegal challenge
Senegal emerged from a group containing France, Norway and Iraq, and Garcia warned they are fast, strong and well-organised. He noted the shock exits of Germany and Netherlands prove favourites can fall. The Lions of Teranga flew six hours from their New Jersey camp and face a three-hour time difference, while Belgium have stayed in their Seattle base throughout the tournament.
There are no small squads. Even if you're a favourite on paper, which was the case for Germany, you can lose.
Looking ahead
Kick-off is at 22:00 Belgian time (13:00 local). Temperatures are forecast at a mild 15°C, far cooler than the heat that bothered Garcia during the opening draw with Egypt. A win would send the Red Devils into the last 16.
