Coach Martinez hails Belgium ‘character’

Rostov-On-Don, July 3 

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said he was deeply proud after his team hit back from 0-2 down to beat Japan and claim a place in the quarterfinals. Substitute Nacer Chadli slotted home in the fourth minute of injury time to complete a memorable comeback and seal a 3-2 win.

“That was a test for the team and its character,” said Martinez. “We survived it, we have gone through and that is the most important thing. No negatives today, it was about getting through,” he added.

“It is a day to be very proud of these players. Keep believing in Belgium. In the World Cup, you want to be perfect but it’s about getting through, it’s about winning. I couldn’t be prouder of them and everyone in Belgium needs to be proud of these players.” 

Martinez also said Japan deserved credit for presenting his team with such a tough test. “Let’s congratulate Japan, they played the perfect game. They were clinical on the counter and so solid,” he said. 

“It was a test of character and you see the reaction of our subs coming on to win the game. It tells you everything about this group of players. Physically, we finished the game really strong, the third goal was almost a powerful counter-attack which saw us cover the pitch in six seconds.”

“Mentally we had to be very strong, I felt the players always had the belief,” the Spaniard said. — AFP

48 It is the first time in 48 years that a team has come from 0-2 down to win a match in the knockout rounds of the World Cup. West Germany did it in their quarterfinal against England at Mexico 1970