World Cup Guide - Night 4
23 Nov 18:00 Morocco vs Croatia
23 Nov 21:00 Germany vs Japan
24 Nov 00:00 Spain vs Costa Rica
24 Nov 03:00 Belgium vs Canada
At 3 o'clock Beijing time on November 24, the first World Cup meeting between the European Red Devils Belgium and the Maple Leafs Canada will be played at the Ruiyang Stadium.
Previously, after the Belgian training, there was interaction with local migrant workers in Qatar. Some of the workers were given a chance to shoot against the "world" Courtois, but only one managed to break through his goal.
Belgian player Kevin De Bruyne (center) in training on November 16. On the same day, the Belgian national football team conducted pre-match training in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, to prepare for the Qatar World Cup, which opened on November 20. Xinhua News Agency
Belgium's all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku is still plagued by a tendon injury and is expected to miss the first two rounds of the group stage, and his goal is to make a comeback in the third round of the group stage or in the knockout round. Head coach Martinez also replied in his pre-match press conference: "Physically, 25 players are fully fit, only Romelu Lukaku is not, we are happy with the progress he has made, but we still don't know if he will fully recover and play the second or third game. ”
Belgian player Romelu Lukaku walks to the team's bus at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium, on November 15. On the same day, the Belgian men's football team left for Kuwait. Xinhua News Agency
In addition to Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard is also in the spotlight. Martinez said Hazard is the captain of the team and he has had a tough time at the club in the last two years, but the situation is completely different in the national team and it is very important to have him in the team's dressing room. Martinez has also confirmed that Eden Hazard will start and captain against Canada.
Speaking about Canada, Martinez believes that "Canada has speed, likes to use space and is competitive, they are also not under pressure and it is always difficult to play against a team that has nothing to lose. We saw that in the 2018 World Cup against Panama, so we have to deal with that."
Belgium's Eden Hazard at a press conference on November 14. Xinhua News Agency
Joining Martinez at the press conference is Wiltonheim, whose match against Canada will be his 143rd for Belgium. Asked about doubts about the team's current capabilities, he responded: "I understand that there is anxiety among the public, partly because of the recent results, some leaders are no longer here. But now I'm seeing progress in young players, there was a time when very few young players were selected for the national team, and now it's much better. I have a lot of confidence in this team, we are no worse than the previous team. ”
In Canada, the team's top star, Alfonso Davis, has been recovering from a torn muscle fiber. In the pre-match press conference, head coach Herdeman said that "Afon" can already participate in team training and can also run at full speed.
Speaking about reaching the World Cup finals again after 36 years, Herdman said: "We've all enjoyed the journey and the experience, and it's great to know that there are a lot of people in Canada's homes, restaurants, in front of the TV. ”
He said the team has the confidence to do great things and can show the team's individual ability and teamwork against any opponent. Referring to Belgium, Herdman believes that inexperience can be bad for the team, but it can also help.
It is worth mentioning that Herdman has coached the Canadian women's national team since 2011, and has achieved many good results in the international arena, and this time he has become the first head coach in the history of the World Cup to participate in the Women's World Cup and the Men's World Cup.
Nandu reporter Tao Xinlei Intern Wu Junjie