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Belgium Wary of What Comes Next Against US After Senegal Let Off
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Belgium Wary of What Comes Next Against US After Senegal Let Off

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Belgium's defender Maxim De Cuyper expressed caution about their upcoming match against the United States.
  • De Cuyper acknowledged the team's comeback win against Senegal but highlighted areas for improvement.
  • He emphasized the need for courage and belief in their qualities against a strong U.S. side.

Belgium's World Cup journey continues with a mix of relief and apprehension as they prepare to face co-hosts the United States. Defender Maxim De Cuyper admitted that the euphoria from their dramatic extra-time victory over Senegal has subsided, replaced by a focus on the challenges ahead.

All the emotions after the Senegal match have settled down. Of course, it hit me hard at first because it was the first time I'd experienced something like that.

— Maxim De CuyperDe Cuyper described the emotional impact of Belgium's dramatic comeback win against Senegal.

"All the emotions after the Senegal match have settled down. Of course, it hit me hard at first because it was the first time I'd experienced something like that,” De Cuyper told reporters. He acknowledged that while their game plan was largely executed, Senegal managed to break through at times. "We need to analyse what we did wrong. It's always better to be 2-0 up with five minutes left. But we showed a great deal of character."

We need to analyse what we did wrong. It's always better to be 2-0 up with five minutes left. But we showed a great deal of character.

— Maxim De CuyperThe defender reflected on the lessons learned from the Senegal match.

Looking ahead to the match against the U.S. in Seattle, De Cuyper stressed the importance of a courageous performance. "The United States have grown into this World Cup. They have a lot of quality," he stated. "We have to show courage on the pitch. When you're playing in front of 80,000 supporters, you have to stick to your own game."

The United States have grown into this World Cup. They have a lot of quality. We have to show courage on the pitch. When you're playing in front of 80,000 supporters, you have to stick to your own game.

— Maxim De CuyperDe Cuyper outlined the challenge posed by the U.S. and the mindset required for the upcoming match.

Despite a few close calls in the tournament, De Cuyper believes Belgium's determination remains high. "We've escaped by the skin of our teeth a few times already at this World Cup. That's why we're still very hungry for more. If we can get through at least one more round, there will be much more satisfaction." He concluded by reaffirming the team's belief in their abilities, even when forced to play defensively.

We've escaped by the skin of our teeth a few times already at this World Cup. That's why we're still very hungry for more. If we can get through at least one more round, there will be much more satisfaction.

— Maxim De CuyperDe Cuyper expressed Belgium's continued hunger for success in the tournament.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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