June 28th 2024.
The atmosphere in Berlin was buzzing with excitement as the UEFA Euro 2024 continued to showcase some of the world's best football teams. For the team of Belgium, their bumpy start seemed like a distant memory after a goalless draw against Ukraine. Star midfielder De Bruyne was already looking ahead to their next challenge - a Classico against France in the round of 16, set to take place in Dusseldorf on Monday.
"We are fully prepared and ready for this tough game," De Bruyne confidently stated after being named the "UEFA Player of the Match" against Ukraine. "Our focus now is just getting through to the next round. We're up against France, but we believe we can make it," he added.
Despite not being at their best in the group stages and receiving some criticism from fans, Belgian national coach Domenico Tedesco remained optimistic. "We are facing a top team and anything is possible," the 38-year-old said, pointing to his team's recent successes against other top-class sides. "So why shouldn't we be able to do it against France?" he added with a determined tone.
Both De Bruyne and Tedesco also called on fans to continue supporting the team, especially in such crucial games. "We need them, especially in tight matches. And I think they know that," De Bruyne acknowledged. The upcoming clash against neighboring country France, known as a football Classico, was perfectly timed according to assistant coach Andreas Hinkel.
Hinkel, a former German international with 21 caps to his name, who also played for top clubs like Stuttgart, Sevilla, Celtic, and Freiburg, shared his thoughts on the match-up. "To be honest, I think it's the perfect time to play France," he admitted. The tough journey through the group stages was now behind them, and the entire team was laser-focused on their upcoming match against the 2018 World Champion and runner-up of Qatar 2022.
"We can finally unleash our true potential. These are the games we always want and look forward to. This is the magic of the Euro," Tedesco added with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. The stage was set for an epic battle between two football powerhouses, and fans across the world could hardly wait for the Classico to unfold.
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