Moreira exudes confidence as Belgium eye Spain upset in World Cup quarter‑final

Belgium’s attacking winger Diego Moreira has declared the Red Devils are "100% sure" of beating Spain in Friday’s World Cup quarter‑final, echoing the historic triumph of 1986. The 22‑year‑old, who has featured in only one match at the tournament, stressed that the belief is a collective one, not a personal boast. "This is my first World Cup, I’m not disappointed about my minutes. The coach decides, and if he picks me I give everything for the team," he said, underscoring his readiness to contribute whenever called upon. Moreira also outlined Belgium’s tactical blueprint, insisting the side will stick to its own style – aggressive pressing and high‑ball possession – rather than reshaping the game to neutralise Spain’s prodigy Lamine Yamal. "We know Yamal is one of the best, but we won’t change our style to stop him. We play with our own strengths," he explained, urging a proactive, high‑press approach. The winger highlighted the loss of midfielder Amadou Onana, whose cruciate ligament injury against the United States has left a leadership void. "He is a leader and knows how to motivate the team. We need him until the end, even if it’s just moral support," Moreira added, pointing to Onana’s continued influence in the dressing room.

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Drawing a direct line to 1986, Moreira reminded his teammates of the penalty shoot‑out that eliminated Spain four decades ago. "We have the quality to beat them, just like forty years ago. Every team has weak points; I keep mine secret," he said, reinforcing the squad’s self‑belief. The press conference was briefly interrupted by laughing teammates Amadou Onana, Zeno Debast and Matías Fernández‑Pardo, prompting a light‑hearted comment from Moreira: "Can you help me concentrate?" The episode illustrated a relaxed yet focused atmosphere within the Belgian camp ahead of the decisive clash. A victory would propel Belgium into the semi‑finals and could herald a new golden era for the national side, reigniting national pride on the world stage. Moreira’s optimism adds to the growing excitement surrounding what could become a historic run for the Red Devils.