Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has defended himself saying he was not criticizing the quality of African football in comments made after his team’s dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal.
Interviewed after the match on Wednesday, he said: “We know those teams, they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match.”
He then added that it was a “grave mistake” when leading, to stop playing to defend a result at all costs.
Senegal led 2-0 with five minutes remaining but late goals by Belgium pushed the game into extra time and the European team then scored a winning penalty in the 125th minute.
Garcia's post-match comments were perceived by some observers to be racist and aimed at the shortcomings of African football.
