Belgium's national team has faced substantial criticism following their qualification for the knockout stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with many fans and pundits describing their performance as 'ugly.' However, coach Roberto Martinez staunchly defended his squad, asserting that their achievement in winning Group G was nothing short of 'immense.'

After the final whistle of their last group match, a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada, Martinez remarked, 'Winning a World Cup group is never easy, and we did it against tough competition. We showed resilience and tactical discipline, which are essential in such high-pressure situations.'

The Red Devils topped their group, finishing ahead of Canada, Morocco, and Croatia, despite mixed performances that included a lackluster display against Morocco, which saw them suffer a shocking 2-0 defeat. Despite this setback, Martinez emphasized the importance of their overall achievement.

'We may not have played the most beautiful football, but football is about results,' he said. 'Our focus was on advancing to the next round, and we accomplished that. The beauty of football will return in the knockout stages as the stakes get higher.'

Critics pointed to Belgium's lack of creativity and slow build-up play as key factors in their struggle. However, Martinez highlighted the team's defensive solidity and their tactical execution as critical elements of their success. 'At this level, every detail matters. We controlled our opponents well, and that is a fundamental quality of championship teams.'

As Belgium prepares for their upcoming knockout match, Martinez remains optimistic, stating, 'We are ready to take on any challenge that comes our way. The criticism just fuels our determination to prove everyone wrong.'