Monday 16 June 2014 19:47, UK
Belgium captain Vincent Kompany says his team’s preparation for their first game against Algeria has been “perfect.”
The Belgians have been tipped as potential dark horses in the World Cup, which will be their first in 12 years.
They play their first game at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday and Kompany will be fulfilling a lifetime’s ambition by playing in a World Cup.
But the Manchester City skipper insists that the team has not come to make up the numbers – they intend to go far.
Kompany, who made his international debut a decade ago, said: "Time flies when you're having fun, ten years. Time went by very quickly, but I think during this period we have learned a lot.
"I have been extremely lucky in my career and as a child I always wanted to lift a trophy and why not a World Cup?
"Is it my moment against Algeria? Not yet. I will remember it all my life but I have high ambitions and I have to go a long way in this tournament.
"I am really curious to see what the result will be because our preparation has been perfect."
Defenders have been having a tough time so far in the tournament - none of the first 11 matches ended in a draw, five were come-from-behind wins and the number of goals per game has averaged 3.36. Only Mexico's 1-0 win over Cameroon has seen less than three goals.
Those statistics have not gone unnoticed by Kompany.
"As a defender, you see so many goals scored and defenders are a bit more aware of this at this moment in time," he said.
"Our quality is organisation and as long as we stay organised we usually defend well. If we defend well as a team, we will be OK."
