Eden Hazard (30 years old) was chosen by Belgium to speak at a press conference before the Red Devils game against Finland in Saint Petersburg this Monday (9pm CEST). Roberto Martínez has gradually increased the Madrid player’s presence in the team (18 minutes against Russia and 31 ‘against Denmark) and now everything points to the fact that he will start against the Finns with the aim of picking up the pace of competition in the face of the decisive crossings. These are Hazard’s impressions before the game:
Play 90 minutes: “Maybe not 90 minutes, we’ll see. I will try to give my best level, we will see if 50, 55 or 60 minutes ”.
Caution: “I am not thinking of a possible injury. In games there is contact, it is part of my game, I need to have contact. I have felt good in both games ”.
If it’s going to be Hazard himself: “I have never doubted my qualities, but I have doubted a little if I will be 100 percent fit in this tournament. I broke my ankle three times. I may never be the same again as ten years ago when my career began, but I know that if I am fit I can prove myself on the field. It’s what I think about ”.
Pressure: “I don’t push myself too hard. We play to win ”.
Freer than with Madrid: “Madrid has great pressure, but also with Belgium. I haven’t played many good games at Real Madrid, but I also want to be a leader at Real Madrid.
The tie serves them: “We are going to play to win, to get the maximum possible points.”
At what percentage is: “We will see how much I can play, but I am confident. I feel good. I have one more game to reach 100%, the goal is to get there when the round of 16 hits ”.
Departure from Ramos: “I wish you all the luck. I would have liked to continue playing with him. I have spent two years with him. He is a leader, a motivator. He is one of the best defenders in history and I hope he continues to be very lucky on the pitch ”.
Favorites: “We can be favorites if everyone is fit. We could be better with Kevin, Axel and me, but the others can also make a difference. The other players can also teach Belgium a lot.”
Performance: “When I can play well, score goals and beat my team, it will be a successful tournament for me. But if I have a good tournament and we lose in the semifinals, it’s a failure. I’d rather play 70 very good minutes than 90 minutes on average. “
Roberto Martinez
The Belgium coach spoke at a press conference before Belgium’s game against Finland on Monday in Saint Petersburg (9pm CEST). The Red Devils are currently scoring full of points (victories against Russia and Denmark) and want to close their brilliant qualifying phase with another win. These are the impressions of the Spanish coach:
Changes in the last game as in the World Cup: “There will be changes, it will be an approach similar to the one we did in 2018. But we are not going to change for change either. We will try to get a balanced team ”.
Lukaku: “I don’t know if he will start. He has recovered very well from the last game. You can play, but we must avoid risks. You have to make a balanced decision ”.
Finland: “They always play more or less with the same tactic. They are combative, they know what they do. They beat France in a friendly… They are dangerous ”.
Courtois: “Yes, he is going to play. Although Mignolet and Sels are training very hard ”.
Thorgan Hazard: “His injury is not serious. He received a blow to the knee in the game against Denmark and was unlucky enough to catch him with a sprained ligament. He will train individually Tuesday and Wednesday, but I hope he can be with us on Thursday