The World Cup in Russia continues to hold its ground as the “World Cup of Surprises” with the likes of Germany who happen to be the defending champions, Messi-led Argentina side, Ronaldo’s European champions Portugal all heading out of the competition, just yesterday the almighty Spanish side bow out in style against the host.
Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard and his Belgian teammates will begin their knockouts encounter today against a Japan in Rostov-on-Don, and the Belgium captain believes it is an advantage to them that the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are no longer in the competition.
"It's good for us, but a pity for them," Hazard explained in a pre-match interview. "When you love football you want to see the best players. "However, when you're competing you want them to go out, so you have a better chance of success yourself."
There have been so many talents in the ranks of the Belgian national team for a while now, even being tagged the 'Golden Generation' but they have failed to lived up to expectation in previous competitions.
Former coach Marc Wilmots was blamed for these failures in which their best performance at any competition during this era has been Quarter Final stage in both the World cup and Euros; Hazard claimed that there is no more excuse as to the team’s success.
"This is the time, it's now or never for this generation to shine," he admitted. "Belgium are better than in 2014 and 2016. We have more experience."
Ahead of their clash against Japan a sole representative of Asia continent who qualified for the Round 16 ahead of Senegal through fair play rule, the Belgian international said they won’t underestimate the Japanese and will do anything in their capacity to go through.
"It's a World Cup match and you never know what might happen," Hazard confirmed. "They have quality players who play or have played for big European clubs. "We can't take anything for granted, we'll do everything we can as we have done throughout this tournament."
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