SEATTLE : Belgium coach Rudy Garcia said his side would not take anything for granted against Senegal in their World Cup Round of 32 clash on Wednesday, warning that recent knockout-stage upsets had shown favourites were far from guaranteed victory.
Belgium recovered from sluggish opening draws against Egypt and Iran to beat New Zealand 5-1 and finish top of Group G, earning the right to remain in Seattle for the knockout match.
Garcia said he had a fully fit squad available for the first time at the tournament.
Winger Jeremy Doku missed time following the birth of his son and a brief illness, while defender Zeno Debast has recovered from the leg injury that ruled him out of the group stage.
Debast, who was injured while training with Portuguese club Sporting last month, may not start against Senegal.
“He’s going to need some time to get back to 100% of his capacities and his potential,” Garcia told reporters on Tuesday.
“But it’s not going to be a problem, because ever since the start of the competition, we have shown a very strong defence.”
Belgium conceded only two goals during the group stage, one each against Egypt and New Zealand.
Garcia also highlighted the strength of his squad, saying Belgium’s depth could prove decisive.
“What matters is not only the starting eleven,” he said.
Striker Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact off the bench in Belgium’s opening 1-1 draw with Egypt, forcing an own goal seconds after coming on in the second half.
Garcia welcomed forecasts of cooler, overcast conditions for Wednesday’s match after complaining that high temperatures and a dry playing surface hampered Belgium’s passing game in their opener.
The Belgian coach said the surprise eliminations of Germany and the Netherlands underlined the dangers of assuming favourites would progress.
“There are no small squads,” Garcia said.
“Even if you’re a favourite on paper, which was the case for Germany, you can lose.”
Senegal, who advanced as one of the best third-placed teams from a group containing France, Norway and Iraq, pose a different challenge, Garcia added.
He described the African side as “very fast”, “very strong”, technically gifted and well organised defensively.
Although Senegal qualified in third place, Garcia said their group-stage finish did not reflect their quality.
The match also carries personal significance for Garcia, who worked with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw at Saint-Etienne.
Thiaw is “a wonderful player, and he’s a wonderful coach as well,” Garcia said.
“I’m very happy for him. But I’m going to defeat him,” he added.
