Belgium eyes World Cup progress against Senegal after topping group

Belgium has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup, securing first place in Group G. This achievement marks an improvement from their disappointing performance in the previous World Cup. Coach Rudi Garcia noted the team's success in winning the group but expressed a desire for further progress.

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We wanted to finish first in the group stage and we succeeded. Of course we wanted to win more, we know the story of our World Cup so far. Now it is time for the knockout phase. Senegal is a big team. But, you have to beat them, too, if you want to go far in a World Cup.

Looking ahead to the knockout match against Senegal, Garcia acknowledged the strength of the African team. "Senegal is a big team. But, you have to beat them, too, if you want to go far in a World Cup," he stated. Striker Romelu Lukaku echoed this sentiment, describing the match as "50-50" and warning against underestimating Senegal's top-level players and coach.

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We know it will be a tough match. Senegal has a lot of top-level players, and the coach is, too. I think it’s 50-50. We really shouldn’t underestimate them.

The Belgian team is mindful of recent upsets in the tournament, where Germany lost to Paraguay and Morocco eliminated the Netherlands. Forward Charles De Ketelaere emphasized the need for focus, stating, "Yesterday showed that it doesn’t matter if you are the favorite." Belgium's defense, with only two goals conceded in group play, will face a Senegal team that recently routed Iraq 5-0.

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It doesn’t matter who the favorite is. We have confidence and need to be sharp. Yesterday showed that it doesn’t matter if you are the favorite.

Senegal, however, will be without their injured goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Coach Pape Thiaw confirmed Mendy's absence, with reserve Mory Diaw expected to start. Despite this, Thiaw expressed confidence in Diaw's ability to maintain a clean sheet, as he did against Iraq. Senegal hopes its offensive strength can overcome Belgium's solid defense.

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Mory had a great performance. He kept a clean sheet and I think (as) the goalkeeper tomorrow, we hope that we’ll also come up with a clean sheet.