Soccer Football – Euro 2024 Qualification – Group F – Azerbaijan v Belgium – Dalga Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan – September 9, 2023 Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco REUTERS/Aziz Karimov/ File Photo Acquire license rights
BRUSSELS, Nov 18 (Reuters) – Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco has warned his players not to underestimate Azerbaijan as they end their European Championship qualifying campaign on Sunday, having already booked their place for the final phase in Germany next year.
A victory over their visitors, who sit 115 places below them in the FIFA rankings, will see Belgium finish undefeated and top of Group F, ahead of Austria who concluded their campaign.
“The match against Azerbaijan is a very serious match. They deserved to win their match against Austria and beat Sweden earlier this week 3-0. Don’t forget we also struggled in Baku. It’s good to play for something tomorrow,” Tedesco told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“The need to have a good seed for the Euros has been a topic among the players and gives extra motivation. Obviously you have to beat everyone at a European Championship if you want to become champion of ‘Europe, but it can help to avoid some large countries in the initial phase.
The match will take place at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels, where Wednesday’s international friendly against Serbia was also due to take place, but it was moved to Leuven a day before kick-off after heavy rain made the pitch unplayable.
“The terrain will not be an excuse. We are working hard to make him as playable as possible, but that doesn’t worry me,” added Tedesco, who confirmed that veteran defender Jan Vertonghen and top scorer Romelu Lukaku are both fit. Neither was presented Wednesday.
Belgium will, however, be without Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, who withdrew this week with a calf injury.
Written by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Hugh Lawson
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