Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has hit back at critics who labeled his key players "has beens" following a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in the World Cup group stage. Garcia expressed his displeasure with the criticism, emphasizing the need to support players of such caliber.
He specifically lauded the performances of "four leaders": Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Leandro Trossard, the latter scoring twice in the New Zealand rout. Trossard's opener was Belgium's first self-scored goal of the tournament after an own goal against Egypt.
Belgium is set to face Senegal in the Round of 32 today, Wednesday, July 1st. Garcia's comments highlight the team's determination to prove their critics wrong in the knockout stages.