体坛英语新闻：Belgium coach Martinez: the team is still growing

MOSCOW, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Belgium team is still growing, and there is room for improvement, said its coach Roberto Martinez after the team just achieved a devastating 5-2 victory over Tunisia in World Cup Group G match in the Spartak Stadium here on Saturday afternoon.

This is the first time Belgium have registered five goals in a World Cup match. Belgium, with a win over Panama in its opening match, stand on top of the group with six points while England will play Panama on Sunday in their second round group match.

"Today it is a game that suits our style," Martinez said. "You need to give huge credit to Tunisia. The way they set to play a game, they wanted to win from the beginning, they wanted to press really high. I think the credit that we deserve is we took the opportunities well. But...we are still growing and there are things that we need to do better."

Belgium's first goal came soon when captain Eden Hazard converted a penalty. Then Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead 10 minutes later. The Carthage Eagles responded with fiercer attack, with midfielder Wahbi Khazri clipping in a free-kick while Dylan Bronn nodding it into the bottom right.

"I don't think we kept the ball well enough," said the 44-year-old coach who was a former English league midfielder. "In certain moments that with a two-goal lead, we probably should have controlled a little bit better."

But he saw improvement of the team. "The understanding between players is really really good. We are still in a process," he said.

Of the five goals, two were scored by Chelsea forward Hazard, two by Manchester United player Lukaku and one by substitute Micky Batshuayi. Lukaku has now moved to top of the score list, level with glitzy Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Talking about Lukaku, he said: "he always tries to score as many goals as he can. Today what we have is the opportunity to show his individual talent. I think he is like other players, well aware that we must keep working, keep getting better as a team."

He attributed the victory to players' right attitude. "Working hard, defending well and reacting as a group," he said.

"To have that many of goals you need to be well-organized, in relationship and attitude," he said. "Today what I saw is a team that is prepared to suffer, prepared to work for each other. We look well balanced in that respect. If you have got that, the individuals can show their talents."

When asked by Xinhua reporter about the two national team players Yannick Carrasco and Axel Witsel, Martinez said that they have concerns that the duo might see their form dropping in the Chinese Super League but their concerns proved to be unnecessary.

"As you saw today, the players have developed stronger mentality, because they have become big players in big projects. I don't think there is anything negative for anyone going to Chinese football. So from that aspect, it has been very satisfying to see Yannick and Axel growing in human level on individual role in Chinese football."

Looking into the future, Martinez said that "winning is always the best form to gain confidence". "In football, it is very straightforward," he said. "Winning the first two games is essential. To qualify at this stage is vital for us."