Belgium take strength from 'millions and millions' of new fans before Spain clash

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia says his team will draw strength from a surge in support after their last-16 win over the United States when they face Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.

Garcia said Belgium had gained "millions and millions" of new fans after the 4-1 victory and that the backing could become "incredible strength" against one of the tournament favourites.

Belgium lean on momentum

Belgium reached the last eight with a convincing win over the United States, and Garcia said the result had changed the mood around the team. He described the upcoming match as a chance to turn that momentum into another major performance.

Spain, he said, are stronger as a collective and in possession, but Belgium believe they have enough in attack to cause damage. Garcia also said Spain's defensive run can be broken.

The quarter-final follows a tournament in which Belgium have tried to build confidence from the way they handled the United States, including the off-field noise that surrounded that game.

Lukaku and squad news

Garcia said Romelu Lukaku gives Belgium a major weapon even when he is not starting, arguing that opponents "quake in their boots" when he comes on.

AS reported that Kevin De Bruyne is available for the Spain match, while Amadou Onana will miss it.

There was also a fresh concern over Zeno Debast. The Sun reported that Sporting Lisbon do not consider him medically fit to play, despite Belgium and FIFA medical and insurance authorities holding a different view, leaving his availability for the quarter-final in doubt.

Belgium and Spain meet with a place in the semi-finals at stake, and Garcia's message was clear: the United States win matters only if it carries into Friday's match.