Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 8y

Roberto Martinez 'disappointed' after Belgium booed off pitch vs. Spain

New Belgium manager Roberto Martinez struggled to find many positives following Thursday's demoralising 2-0 friendly defeat to Spain in Brussels which saw his team booed off.

David Silva's brace got Belgium's post-Marc Wilmots era off to a losing start and gave Martinez plenty to ponder ahead of the Red Devils' opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Cyprus on Tuesday.

"This match will give me a lot of information," the former Swansea City and Everton manager said after the match. "It's a match that will teach me a lot of things.

"I saw all the work I still have to do. We were up against a very talented side. But I'm very disappointed by the few chances we created. We weren't able to show what we're capable of, so I understand the fans' disappointment.

"We have a difficult game coming up in Cyprus on Tuesday. We need better balance, and a better approach to head in the right direction."

In a lacklustre display at the King Baudouin stadium, the hosts' only real threat came in the closing stages when Kevin de Bruyne forced David De Gea into a good save while at the opposite end, Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the only Belgium player to emerge with any credit as he kept the scoreline respectable.

"Spain were much better," Courtois said. "We lacked focus and intensity. We really weren't good in that regard.

"We didn't have much possession, and made too many bad passes. And we weren't great in terms of attitude.

"We have to be much better. We didn't show anywhere near enough. We have to work. We're going to Cyprus for our qualifier on Tuesday. It won't be easy, but we mustn't worry."

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