Belgium’s head coach Roberto Martinez has said that his team is a target of negative and fake news at the World Cup after several contribution reports emerged of a face-off between players in the camp of the Belgium national team.

These controversial remarks emerged after Belgium’s 2-0 loss to Morocco in their second group game. The 2018 FIFA World Cup third-place team was said to have seen Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen, and captain Eden Hazard clash in the dressing room after the loss to the North Africans.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois addressed the media and denied such reports. In support of the goalkeeper stance, the team’s head coach Roberto Martinez, explained that he believes that the story was invented as people were ready to spread the negative news about the Red Devils.

Martinez stated this on Wednesday before Thursday’s final group game against Croatia, where they need a victory to qualify for the round of 16.

“Some people are quite happy to jump on fake news; It is quite astonishing. It shows you that maybe there is more desire to find negative news about the team rather than enjoy the best generation of talent that we’ve ever had in Belgian football.” Martinez said.

Similarly, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was quoted to have said that the Belgian national team players are too old to win the FIFA World Cup.

The task for Belgium on Thursday is simple and straightforward, a victory against Croatia will take them through to the next round with six points, irrespective of whatever happens between Morocco and Canada.

A draw would also be enough for Belgium to move through to the next round of the competition, but only Canada face Morocco is in the group’s other game.

Canada is the only team without a win in this group, while Morocco still stands a chance as they sit in second place with three points.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu