Rostov-on-Don: Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said Monday he was deeply proud after his team hit back from 0-2 down to beat Japan and claim a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.
“That was a test for the team and their character,” said Martinez after the game. “We survived it, we have gone through and that is the most important thing. No negatives today, it was about getting through.
“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,” added the Spaniard.
Martinez, the former Everton manager, also stated Japan deserved credit for putting his team through such a tough test.
I felt the players always had the belief that they could come back. It is the belief that counts… nothing else
Roberto Martinez
“Let’s congratulate Japan, they played the perfect game. They were clinical on the counter and so solid,” said the Belgium boss.
“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,” Martinez added.
The Spaniard denied of ever under-estimating Japan. “We didn’t underestimate them, we gave the players a lot of details about what Japan could do,” Martinez informed.
“Their first goal was a fantastic counter-attack and the second one was a wonder strike from them down to brilliance. Mentally we had to be very strong, to come back,” Martinez signed off with a smile.
