Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he’s not worried about a potential hostile atmosphere in the stadium during the World Cup quarter-finals against Spain on Friday due to the presence of United States fans.
Belgium beat the US 4-1 in the last 16 after a heated lead-up to the game due to a controversy over a red-card suspension for US forward Folarin Balogun.
“We just beat the US in a game in which everyone was against us, it can’t be more complicated than that tomorrow,” Garcia said in a news conference on Thursday.
“I don’t know how things will be tomorrow, but spectators don’t score goals. We’re playing against Spain.”
Balogun was initially suspended for the last 16 match against Belgium after he was sent off during the round of 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA, however, suspended the ban in a near unprecedented move so he could play against Belgium, while rejecting a Belgian appeal.
Critics accused governing body FIFA of giving in to alleged political meddling, with US President Donald Trump admitting that he asked for a review because “I didn’t think it was a foul.”
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino stressed that Trump’s call in no way influenced the decision.
The winner of Friday’s match will set up a semi-finals clash against France, who beat Morocco 2-0.
“We’re playing against one of the favourites. We know the strengths of each player. They’re the best at maintaining possession, they haven’t conceded a goal in this tournament yet,” Garcia said.
He stressed, however, that it’s time to change that.
“Everyone is saying that we’re going home. But that game hasn’t been played yet,” Garcia warned.
Midfielder Amadou Onana is the only player who won’t be available due to injury.
