Belgium Surprised By Denmark, But De Bruyne, Witsel And Hazard Changed The Game

Kevin De Bruyne (Twitter @Euro2020)

JAKARTA - Belgian center-back Jan Vertongen admits his team was confused and surprised by the game system adopted by Denmark, causing difficulties in the first half and trailing 0-1 in the second Group B match at Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Thursday night. However, Kevin de Bruyne turned things around in the second half.

"Denmark surprised us with the system they played and in the first half we seemed unrecognizable," said Jan Vertonghen as quoted by Antara from the UEFA website.

🇧🇪 The difference 👊

Describe Belgium's second-half display...#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/6acZjjbswG

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021

"It seems we are always one step behind. But when De Bruyne, (Axel) Witsel, and Eden Hazard come in, the game changes. They bring extra quality, we don't want to pretend about that," continued Vertongen.

The statement was echoed by the well-known French-language Belgian daily, La Dernière Heure, whose statement was quoted on the UEFA website.

"The Red Devils escaped very well," wrote La Dernière Heure. "De Bruyne, Witsel, and Hazard coming on in the second half changed everything."

But the Belgian coach Roberto Martinez himself considered the key to his team's victory was because of the belief from his team to be able to turn things around. Belgium trailed 0-1 before turning to win 2-1.

"In the first half the players were in shock but they are experienced in turning the game around," said Martinez.

De Bruyne himself tried to avoid being in the spotlight, even when on the pitch he tried to keep the feelings of the Danish crowd at bay, already devastated by Christian Eriksen's absence due to a heart attack in the first game.

De Bruyne inspires Belgium to victory and a Round of 16 spot! 👏👏👏#EURO2020 | #BEL

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 17, 2021

He was just doing a less excessive goal celebration. "I'm happy, of course, but I have a lot of respect for the people here. I was in the part of the pitch where (Christian) Eriksen fell last Saturday and I stayed calm."