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E-mail Xinhua, June 28, 2024
The bumpy group performance at the UEFA Euro 2024 seemed a thing of the past for the team of Belgium.
After the goalless draw against Ukraine, Belgium's star midfielder De Bruyne turned his head to the upcoming Classico against France in the round of 16 on Monday in Dusseldorf.
Kevin De Bruyne (L) of Belgium controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E match between Belgium and Ukraine in Stuttgart, Germany, June 26, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
"We are prepared, we are ready for that challenging game," he said after being rewarded as the "UEFA Player of the Match" against Ukraine.
"This is only about getting into the next round. Here we are and now, it's France. We can make it," De Bruyne said.
Despite a far-from-satisfying performance in their group with fans booing after the final whistle, Belgian national coach Domenico Tedesco has detected his strong will.
"We face a top team, and everything is possible," the 38-year-old said before mentioning his team's latest achievements against top-class sides.
"Therefore, why shouldn't we make it against France," the German-Italian coach said.
De Bruyne and the Tedesco urged fans to keep on supporting the team "as we need them, especially in tight games. I think they know."
The delicate duel against the neighboring country, known as one of football Classico's, comes at the right time from the perspective of assistant coach Andreas Hinkel.
The 42-year-old and 21-time capped German international, who had been first-flight performer for Stuttgart, Sevilla, Celtic, and Freiburg, said it is positive to now face arch-rival France.
"To be honest, I think it's just the right thing to play France now," Hinkel added.
The difficult journey through the group is a thing of the past and everyone now is entirely focused on the upcoming duel against the 2018 World Champion and the runner-up of Qatar 2022.
"We can unleash our true potential. These are the games we always want and are looking for. This is the magic of a Euro," Tedesco added.
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