Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Euro: Where does Belgium's engine of the team lie?

June 21, 2016 02:21 IST

Eden Hazard of Belgium

Belgium have the wealth of talent to come up with a variety of approaches to their Euro 2016 matches but still need to find the right formula, said captain Eden Hazard on Monday.

"We have the players who can vary it. But the art in the match is to find exactly the right way to catch your opponent out," he told a press conference before Belgium's decisive group match with Sweden in Nice on Wednesday.

"If there is a lot of movement throughout the team, it makes it a lot easier to find openings and to make our movements.

"The engine of the team lies in midfield. Kevin de Bruyne and I can bring a little extra but the engine has to keep turning," he said.

Hazard and his team mates came in for heavy criticism after losing 2-0 to Italy in their opening game of the tournament in France but a 3-0 win over Ireland put them right back in contention.

"Despite the loss against Italy I was satisfied with my match and against Ireland we had very good moments. Up to now I've been satisfied with my play," he added.

"I don't see myself as the star of the team. The team must shine on its own. Everyone has an important contribution to make."

Image: Belgium's Eden Hazard controls the ball during training

Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.