Eden Hazard says Belgium are capable of knocking Argentina out of the World Cup, but they have to stop Lionel Messi first.
Belgium were many peoples’ fancy before the tournament started and a currently priced at 13.00 to go all the way and lift the trophy. However to do that they must first get past Argentina, who are 5.00 second favourites, and the key to winning is stopping Barcelona star Messi.
Hazard admits that Argentina are a side packed full of quality but if they can stop Messi, then they could be on their way to the semi-finals.
“We know the best player in the world is in this team, but we are not afraid,” Hazard said.
“We can win. Argentina have done well, but they have one big player who can make the difference every game. If we can stop him, we have a chance, but it will not be easy.
“For me, he is the best in the world. I don’t know how we can stop him, but we will watch videos and we will try to win.
“They have Angel di Maria as well, but Messi is the difference.”
Hazard says there is a feeling of calm in the Belgium camp ahead of Saturday’s clash and is backing his team to go through to the next stage, where they could face Holland or Costa Rica.
“The whole team is tranquil,” he added. “We do not feel pressure, we play like we do in training, and that is why we are here.
“But we know Argentina is a big game for this generation. It is very important because we can make history and I hope we can win.”
Argentina are 2.22 favourites to win, while Belgium are 3.32 and the draw is 3.14.
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