Garcia: We won’t play defensively against Spain

Rudi Garcia has urged Belgium not to sit back against Spain in their World Cup quarter-final, saying a purely defensive plan would suit Luis de la Fuente's side.

Speaking before the tie, the Belgium manager said Spain have kept a successful style in place for years and remain one of the world's best teams at keeping the ball. He added that Belgium must match that quality with their own attacking threat rather than trying to absorb pressure for the full match.

Garcia pointed to Belgium's scoring record at the tournament, saying they have netted 13 times and are among the best attacks at the World Cup, behind only France and Argentina. He also acknowledged Spain's edge in expected goals, but said that would not stop his players believing they can cause problems.

Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the last-16 win over the United States with a physical issue, is available again. Amadou Onana is Belgium's only major absentee.

Garcia said he has planned for the full 90 minutes, not just the starting XI, and added that Belgium are mentally ready for any scenario.