‘You haven’t seen the best yet’ – Reading’s Vanhaevermaet optimistic ahead of Sweden clash | OneFootball

Belgium have proven to be one of the surprise packages in this year’s UEFA Women’s EURO.

In a group of France, Italy, and Iceland, Ives Serneels’ side were not expected to qualify for the knockouts. Yet, thanks to their 1-0 victory over the Italians, they qualified for the last eight at only their second attempt and have set up a tie with world number two Sweden.

“It’s only our second tournament so I understand that people are underestimating us a bit but we’re just very happy that we’ve shown what we’re capable of,” said Reading’s Justine Vanhaevermaet ahead of Belgium’s quarter-final clash. “The quarter-final means a lot to me and I think the same goes for the whole team.

“It’s great for Belgian football as a whole. We’ve received some very positive messages from home. We’re very proud of making it to the quarter-finals that was our target.”

Belgium have proven to be a very difficult team to beat thus far in the competition with their only defeat coming in the form of a very narrow loss at the hands of Group D winners France, however, Sweden could be their toughest test so far, something that Vanhaevermaet knows only too well.

She said “We know what sort of task it will be, a very tough task, but we are confident. On paper, people will say that Sweden are favourites, they have world-class performers throughout the side.

“They’ve said they want to go far in the tournament and we said we wanted to reach the quarter-finals. If you look at that, I think the pressure is with them but I think we also put some pressure on ourselves because I feel we can do something.”

Irrespective of how the match against Sweden plays out, the tournament will be viewed as a success in Belgian quarters and it could be a sign of what is to come in Vanhaevermaet’s eyes.

“I think it shows that we have a lot of potential,” she said. “We have a lot of very good players, also very young talented players so I hope more and more players like them can become professional and I think you haven’t seen the best yet.”

It will be a tremendous achievement if Belgium are able to overcome Sweden and set up a final four tie with the hosts England. With several Swedish players missing through injury and COVID-19 and others doubtful for this evening’s fixture, it may prove to be a golden opportunity for Serneels’ side. That being said, if Sweden are as depleted as expected, could it be seen as a missed opportunity for Vanhaevermaet and Belgium if they don’t get beyond this point? Either way, the future is looking bright for Belgium if they continue on this progression and in the future, we may be talking about them as contenders.