Belgium's Red Devils have ignited a passion fire that's burning bright around the world, as millions upon millions of new fans flock to their banner after the extraordinary controversy involving former US President Donald Trump and striker Folarin Balogun. The team's manager, Rudi Garcia, is convinced this tidal wave of support will propel them into the Spain showdown with "incredible strength" – a boost he believes could be just what they need to defy predictions that Belgium are doomed for the exit.
The drama unfolded when Trump boldly claimed to have called in a favour from FIFA to quash Balogun's direct red card, which had left him out of their crucial match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite this unprecedented intervention, FIFA opted to suspend Balogun's ban for a whole year, but it was the aftermath that really sent shockwaves around the footballing world – with the Belgian federation gloating on social media: "Overturn this!" And players responded in kind by busting out Trump's signature dance moves. Garcia has personally assured Balogun he bears no responsibility for the external meddling or FIFA's response.
The Red Devils' victory over the USA has set them up for a blockbuster showdown against La Roja at the Los Angeles Stadium, where 80,000 fans are expected to be cheering – and not all of them will be supporting Belgium. Garcia insists his team won't let the hostile crowd get under their skin, drawing on the experience they gained in Seattle against co-hosts USA. "The conditions will only be as difficult as they were in the last round," he reckoned.
And what a test awaits! Spain are one of the favourites, boasting an impressive 15 to 20-year record of collective and individual strength – not least their ability to control possession and keep clean sheets. However, Garcia remains undaunted, pointing out that Belgium are the second-highest scorers in the World Cup, with their star-studded bench including one of the greatest strikers of all time: Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku's been a game-changer from the moment he stepped onto the pitch – and even though he started just one match, his stats are nothing short of sensational. Three goals and an assist in the tournament, with a goal every 50 minutes played. His national team tally stands at an incredible 93 goals, placing him among an elite group of international strikers who strike fear into opponents' hearts – particularly when he bursts onto the scene from the bench, as planned by Garcia way back in April.