On July 9, ahead of the match against Spain, Belgian player Lukaku gave an interview.
Does the current atmosphere in the team remind you of the feeling before the 2018 World Cup match against Brazil? At that time, Belgium also faced a crucial match in the knockout stage.
Lukaku: "Very similar, very similar. I think this is a completely different team, and the players now have more confidence. So we need to manage this state well. But the overall feeling is indeed very similar. However, this will be a completely different game.
Spain is a team that truly pursues total football. They haven't conceded any goals so far and are also excellent in attack. So we must play a very perfect game; only then can we advance. But this is also a great challenge, and of course we won't shy away from it."
You have been very efficient in this World Cup, with all 3 shots on target converted into goals so far, making you one of the most efficient forwards in the tournament. Compared to players like Haaland, Mbappe, and Kane, how do you assess your current form?
Lukaku: "For me, it's never about the individual, but about the team. Over the past few years, this has always been my motivation. I believe I have been successful at the club level because I think more about the team than myself.
Now, the coach has given me a clear role, and I will adapt to this role and prepare as best as I can. I continuously improve myself through training, do a lot of shooting practice, and often train against defenders. My teammates are also always willing to help me. In addition, I do a lot of match analysis with the analysis team. Ultimately, everything comes from my mentality. I listen to advice from experienced players who have been helping me. After a relatively difficult period, everything is gradually falling into place. I hope to continue in this form."
Do you still remember 2010, when you were 17 and came close to joining Real Madrid? At your current age, would you prefer Real Madrid or Barcelona?
Lukaku: "I think that was actually my parents' decision. At that time, I was still in school, and because my parents didn't have many opportunities for schooling, they really wanted me to succeed academically. As for Barca? That's a personal choice. (laughs)"
Excuse me, before your most recent transfer, did you consider Villarreal at the time?
Lukaku: "No, I didn't think much at the time, I went to Napoli."
In this World Cup, you average a goal every 50 minutes, whereas in the 2018 World Cup, you averaged a goal every 120 minutes. Does this mean this is your best performance in the four World Cups you've participated in?
Lukaku: "For me, it's still about the team. As I just said, I focus on the whole. In April, I had a conversation with the coach, and he told me he wanted me to be ready for a certain role. I accepted this arrangement. Of course, I also believe there is some help from a higher level that makes everything happen smoothly now. The team's situation is very good at the moment, and we must continue to maintain it. The atmosphere within the team is fantastic and very healthy. Over the past two days, we have prepared thoroughly on a tactical, psychological, and physical level. Tomorrow will be a huge challenge."
Is it possible for Belgium to find your successor in the future? Who could be the next Lukaku?
Lukaku: "It's difficult to find another Lukaku. Not every year, every country produces such a player.
I think what I can do now is give advice to young teammates who are playing. For example, players like Charles (De Ketelaere), Matthias (Pardo), etc. If they need help, they know they can contact me at any time. But for me to directly say who will be 'the next Lukaku,' I don't like to do that. Because it's not good for young players. They should grow in their own way, without the pressure of having to become someone else."
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