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Martinez focuses on the psychological

Eight goals in two victories prove Belgium are World Cup contenders, but coach Roberto Martinez says breaking into the exclusive club of champions means winning mind games as much as matches on the pitch.

Before giving his squad a day off after Saturday's 5-2 Group G win over Tunisia, the Spaniard waved away talk of supplanting stuttering favourites like Germany or Brazil and acknowledged defensive lapses will have to be tightened against England on Friday morning (Singapore time).

Belgium scored freely via braces by Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, as well as a late goal by Michy Batshuayi, but were less impressive at the back.

When pressed on whether Belgium are now a good bet for the trophy, Martinez said there was a need to build the players' own expectations, balancing focus and self-confidence. "We've got used to it, try to work on it internally," he said.

Only five countries have won the World Cup in the past generation, he noted: "To be a favourite in a World Cup, you need to have the know-how of winning a World Cup, or have a reference of a previous generation that has won the World Cup in modern times."

Martinez, 44, who spent his playing career in England's lower divisions, has spoken before of self-doubt that held back France before they won the 1998 World Cup or Spain before the Euro 2008 triumph which paved the way for their 2010 World Cup success.

"(It) probably gives you an advantage psychologically if you've won it before or if you've got a direction from someone, a generation, that has won it before in your nation," he said.

- REUTERS

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