Belgium coach Marc Wilmots says he will need to protect 19-year-old striker Divock Origi from burnout as most of Belgium demands he start against the United States next Tuesday in Salvador.
“I’m not blind,” he told reporters asking why he did not see fit to start with the striker. “He is only 19 I will use him when I need to and when I think he can have a real effect. His body is not yet ready to play every minute.”
Origi came on after an hour at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on Thursday and finished off South Korea with his skill and speed on the break setting up the winning goal.
“Sometimes we want to have the surprise element,” said Wilmots. The Belgium coach also defended criticism that his team is yet to sparkle at this tournament. “What does it mean to play beautifully,” he asked reporters after the win over South Korea. “The key is to win the game. You pay for any mistakes in this competition.
“We have shown that you don’t win with 11 you win with your entire squad and we are using all the players.
“We have come through the group with maximum points for the first time in Belgium’s history.”
Wilmots hinted that he still sees Origi as an impact striker rather than a starter to lead his country’s attack against USA on Tuesday.
