World Cup
Youri Tielemans: Belgium must be happy just to qualify after Iran stalemate
Belgium captain Youri Tielemans addressed the media in Seattle one day after the 0-0 draw with Iran. The midfielder struck a cautious tone, echoing other senior players following the World Cup match.
Tielemans stressed the team’s focus remains on reaching the next round. "We are focused on pushing through to the next stage. We haven’t won yet at this World Cup, so we know what we need to do. We go into the match against New Zealand with a lot of confidence."
He dismissed criticism of experienced players including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. "I understand everyone is looking at the experienced players. But that’s not the point. We could have scored one or two goals yesterday. Their goalkeeper made some great saves. Yes, we’re not performing at our best level, but we shouldn’t point to one individual—we need to support each other as a group."
Tielemans rejected the idea of singling out individuals for poor performances. "Honestly? That’s not important. We know Kevin and Romelu’s quality—they’re world-class players, especially with the Red Devils. I hate pointing fingers. If we don’t win, the whole team is responsible."
Lukaku had spoken about "too much emotion" during the game. Tielemans explained: "Representing your country at a World Cup is the best thing a footballer can experience. Everyone watches you, everyone supports you—but under a magnifying glass."
He added: "Emotions during and after the game are natural, especially when things aren’t going well. Two draws—against Egypt and Iran—feel like two defeats. But the fact is we haven’t lost. If we win the last match, we progress."
On team morale, Tielemans said: "It’s the same as before. We’re focused on the next match. We must win on Friday. Then we progress and everything is fine."
He acknowledged the original target was to win all three group games. "Football is unpredictable. Sometimes things happen you can’t foresee. In these circumstances, we must be very happy just to qualify. Of course we said beforehand we wanted nine points out of nine, but sometimes that doesn’t happen. Then you have to be strong as a team."
Tielemans reflected on his own form: "In the opening match I didn’t start well, like the whole team. There was a lot of pressure. Since then I’ve recovered, including against Iran. I feel physically and mentally good."
Asked about his role in midfield alongside De Bruyne and Vanaken, he said: "It’s up to the manager to decide. I play wherever he asks. Who plays doesn’t matter. We’re a group of 26."
He also compared the current campaign to Belgium’s 2022 World Cup. "Are we making progress? Absolutely. We played better against Iran than against Egypt, with more chances created."
On his relationship with the head coach, Tielemans said: "It’s still as good as at the start of the tournament."