Belgium midfielder Nacer Chadli says his side respect France but do not fear them ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final clash between the two European outfits.
France failed to shine during the group stages but have impressed in the knockout phase, having dumped out South American pair Argentina and Uruguay to secure a last-four spot.
Belgium had to fight back to beat Japan in their last 16 outing but then outclassed heavyweights Brazil in the quarter-finals, and after seeing off the Selecao Chadli says no opponents should hold any fear for the Red Devils.
“If you can beat Brazil, you do not have to fear anyone,” said Chadli, as reported on Belgium’s official Twitter account.
“We respect everybody but if we play with fear we will not be able to beat France.
“For us, it was a big step to win against Brazil – also for our confidence and to show everybody that we could do it. Belgium is a small country, we have 11 million people.
We are very proud of what we can achieve and what we can do as a group.”
Belgium will be without Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier due to suspension for the semi-final showdown but he is boss Roberto Martinez’s only absentee.
Belgium are 3.00 to secure the win in normal time and Chadli is 17.00 to score the first goal or 6.00 to find the back of the net at anytime.
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