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Wilmots: I would rather face Spain than Hungary

Friday, June 24, 2016 Source: Marca.com

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has expressed his preferred draw would have been England or Spain, rather than facing Hungary in the round of 16.

Belgium finished second to Italy in their group courtesy of the 2-0 defeat in their first match of the tournament.

"I would have preferred to have played England or Spain because they are games in which you have nothing to lose," the coach explained.

There is a concern amongst the team's coaching staff that matches against supposed inferior opposition present a real risk of disappointment given the pressure, with the 47-year-old claiming the tougher matches are often better spectacles.

"Matches like the one we played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup are much nicer.

"The new expanded format of the European Championship has sparked much debate, however Wilmots points to greater parity between nations, meaning there are no easy matches at tournament level.

"There are no easy matches. We were mocked when we lost to Wales in qualifying but look at where they are now."

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