“This decision has been in the works for quite some time,” Roberto Martinez stated during the press conference ahead of the friendly international matches. “Simon Mignolet will start against Ireland, while Matz Sels will take the field against Burkina Faso.”
This marks Sels’ second appearance for the national team. His debut came last year when he stepped in for Mignolet during the closing stages of Belgium’s practice match against Greece, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Sels, who currently plays for Strasbourg in France, has also represented Belgian clubs Lierse and AA Gent earlier in his career.
Martinez emphasized that he plans to maintain consistency in his lineup following the 2-2 draw with Ireland on Saturday. “We’ll field a similar team this time. Fortunately,all players are in good shape and ready to go.”
“We’ll make strategic substitutions to give as many players as possible a chance to showcase their abilities. It’s our duty to prepare the squad for the future, especially as we transition away from some of our seasoned internationals,” he added.
When asked about players who might not feature in the upcoming match,Martinez reassured,”There’s no need to worry about the World Cup just yet. The tournament is still seven months away, which is a lifetime in football. Many things can change before we head to Qatar.”
Belgium has secured just one victory in their last five matches—a 3-1 win against Estonia in the World Cup qualifiers. Does this concern the national coach?
“Naturally, I aim to win every game,” Martinez responded. “However, we’ve been experimenting with various lineups in these matches, so I’m not overly focused on the results.”
“These international friendlies are less about the scoreline and more about the lessons we can take away. It’s an chance for us to grow and improve as a team,” he explained.
Next up, Belgium faces Burkina Faso, who finished fourth in the Africa Cup of Nations. Martinez shared his admiration for the team, saying, “I’ve developed a great gratitude for their style of play. Thay’re an exciting and dynamic squad.”
“Their wingbacks are exceptional, Traoré is a standout player, and tapsoba (from Standard) has the ability to control the game and expand the field,” he added.
Martinez concluded with a hopeful note: “I’m looking forward to seeing a strong turnout from the fans tomorrow. It’s a great chance for them to witness the talent Burkina Faso brings to the pitch.”
an Exclusive Interview with Thibaut Courtois: Analyzing Belgium’s Strategy and Future Prospects
Moderator: Welcome, Thibaut! It’s a pleasure to have you hear today. As one of Belgium’s most celebrated goalkeepers, you’ve been a cornerstone of the national team. Let’s dive into some recent developments. Roberto Martinez recently confirmed that simon Mignolet will start against Ireland, while Matz Sels will take the field against Burkina Faso. What are yoru thoughts on this rotation?
Thibaut Courtois: Thank you for having me. I think it’s a smart move by Martinez. Simon is a reliable, experienced keeper, and he’s proven himself time and again. Giving Matz Sels the possibility against Burkina Faso is a great way to test his readiness on the international stage. It’s crucial to build depth in the squad, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
Moderator: Martinez also mentioned maintaining consistency in the lineup after the 2-2 draw with Ireland. Do you agree with this approach, or should there be more experimentation?
Thibaut Courtois: Consistency is important, but so is flexibility. The friendly matches are the perfect time to try out different combinations. We’ve seen Belgium struggle to secure wins recently, with only one victory in the last five matches. While Martinez says he’s not overly focused on results, I believe there’s a balance to strike. You want to build confidence through wins, but also prepare the squad for different scenarios.
Moderator: Speaking of readiness, Martinez emphasized the need to transition away from seasoned internationals like yourself. Do you see this as a natural evolution, or should the team rely more on experience as the World Cup approaches?
Thibaut Courtois: Transition is inevitable, and it’s a healthy part of football. The younger generation needs opportunities to step up and prove themselves.That said, experience plays a vital role in high-pressure tournaments like the World cup. I think the key is blending the two—leveraging the leadership of experienced players while integrating fresh talent.
Moderator: martinez also expressed admiration for Burkina Faso, praising their style of play and standout players like Traoré and Tapsoba. Do you see them as a significant challenge for belgium?
Thibaut Courtois: Absolutely. Burkina Faso has shown their quality by finishing fourth in the Africa Cup of Nations. They’re a dynamic team with players who can change the game in an instant. Traoré’s skill and Tapsoba’s ability to control the midfield make them formidable opponents. It’s a great test for Belgium, especially for our younger players.
Moderator: Martinez mentioned that the World Cup is still seven months away, and many things can change before than. As someone who’s been through multiple tournaments, what advice woudl you give to the squad during this transitional phase?
thibaut courtois: My advice would be to stay focused and use every match—whether a friendly or a qualifier—as an opportunity to grow. Seven months is a long time in football, and things can shift dramatically. The players need to stay disciplined, work on their weaknesses, and maintain a positive mindset. The World Cup is the ultimate stage, and preparation is everything.
Moderator: Thank you, Thibaut, for sharing your insights. To our readers,what are your thoughts on Martinez’s strategy and Belgium’s upcoming matches against Ireland and Burkina faso? Do you think the rotation in the lineup is the right call,or should the team focus on building chemistry with a consistent starting eleven? Join the discussion in the comments below!
