Belgium Back Themselves to Topple Spain in Kansas City

Belgium arrive at Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Spain with something to prove and, according to Reuters, the belief to do it. Coach Rudi Garcia has made no secret of his team's underdog status but insists they carry the attacking quality and conviction to cause an upset.

Spain entered the tournament as one of the pre-tournament favourites and found their best form with a dominant win over Austria in the round of 32. Their coach Luis de la Fuente took a philosophical tone at his pre-match press conference, reportedly quoting Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Garcia, by contrast, is keeping things direct and grounded, leaning into the idea that there is nothing to fear. Belgium will need to be at their very best in Kansas City, but they clearly have no intention of simply making up the numbers.