Dalić – “No drama, we’ll go even stronger, tougher and more persistent”

Belgium better

“Congratulations to Belgium on the victory. They were better in all segments of the game, and we were not good. It looks better in training, but we have to draw lessons and see where we made mistakes. We conceded the first goal after our own foul and a discussion with the referee, then we allowed Doku a one-on-one situation. We cannot be satisfied, but we will not make a drama or a tragedy out of it. We move on. I am aware of everything – we need to get Modrić, Kovačić and Gvardiol back into match rhythm, that is the most important thing. I said I would give everyone a chance, and with ten substitutions it does not always look at the highest quality. I feel sorry for the disappointed fans; I know expectations are high.”

A good test ahead of England

“This was a good test. Belgium are a top-quality team and among the best in world football. England will also have fast wingers and strong aerial play, but today we were late, slow, and maybe a bit tired. We need to go even harder, stronger and more persistent – starting with myself. It is better that this happened in a friendly than later. And better that Lukaku scored today than in Qatar.”

Counterattacks and lack of depth

“We conceded goals from counterattacks against Brazil as well; that must not happen. We need to analyse it, even ten times if necessary, to make sure it does not repeat. We had possession and a calm build-up, the block was not bad, but we were harmless and blunt in attack. We did not respond well to crosses, there was a lack of sharpness and movement into space. That is what we must work on. Doku and Saelemaekers caused us a lot of problems with that. They did not beat us through a large number of chances, but by converting the chances they had. They were better, more concrete, and deserved to win.”

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