Imposter syndrome affects even the best players in the world.
Kevin de Bruyne was voted man of the match in Belgium's narrow victory against Canada on Wednesday night (1-0) and did not understand why.
"I didn't have a good game.
I don't know why I got this award, maybe for my name, ”said the Mancunian after the game.
From a collective point of view either, the playmaker was not convinced of the Belgian performance: “I don't think we had a good match as a team, especially in the first period.
In the second half, when we managed to get out of the pressing, it was better.
But I don't think we played a good game today.
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Michy Batshuayi also converted Belgium's only real chance.
Roberto Martinez's players were surprised by the energy and intensity generated by the Canadians.
“They had the speed, strength and technique to hurt us,” testified Thibaut Courtois.
We take the lead in our group!
🔝 #BELCAN #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/7dpme5KmK2
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 23, 2022
He who had criticized the restrictive approach of the French at the 2018 World Cup was largely content with three points this time.
“The first matches of a World Cup are often difficult, stressful.
Look at Germany and Argentina (beaten by Japan and Saudi Arabia).
And us, with not easy opening matches against Algeria in 2014 and Panama (sic) in 2018... Our pool is underestimated.
There are four good teams.
And we are in the lead.
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Belgium can thank the Real Madrid goalkeeper.
Courtois diverted the penalty obtained by the North Americans and shot by Alphonso Davies.
“I knew that Davies was always shooting on the right (of the goalkeeper).
So I opted for this side.
This is the first time that I have saved a penalty with the national team,” he said.
The doorman will put on the gloves again on Sunday against Morocco (2 p.m.).
“With a victory in the next match, we will qualify,” he recalled.