According to SPORT1, former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Pavf, discussing Belgium's FIFA World Cup prospects, said the team needs a Bayern-like mentality and should not fear Spain.

Pavf knows the magic of the FIFA World Cup. In 1986, he made history with Belgium, eliminating Spain in the quarterfinals and leading the "Red Devils" to the semifinals. Forty years later, his home country dreams of making a big impact once again.

Before Belgium's Round of 16 victory over the United States and their upcoming FIFA World Cup encounter with Spain, the 72-year-old former Bayern Munich star spoke in an exclusive interview with SPORT1 about whether Belgium can relive its glory days, and also about the similarities with Bayern Munich. He also explained the importance of Lukaku and why Belgium should not be afraid of Spain's strength.

SPORT1: Mr. Pavf, Belgium reached the quarterfinals after defeating co-hosts United States 4-1. Are you surprised by the "Red Devils"?

Pavlovic: Not surprised, but they make me very proud. I see the Belgian soul again. We are a small country, but as long as Belgium is united, we can defeat any opponent. In the FIFA World Cup, it's not just individual ability that determines victory, but also mentality, character, and unity. Beating the host in the knockout stage is a big psychological test. The atmosphere in the stadium is against you, emotions are against you, but you still have to stay calm. Belgium did this very well.

SPORT1: FIFA's lifting of the ban on US striker Balogun shortly before Belgium's Round of 16 match against the United States drew strong global criticism. What do you think of this decision?

Pavlovic: I understand why people would discuss this issue. The whole world is watching the FIFA World Cup, every decision will be analyzed, and everyone will ask: Is this fair? But I also want to say, don't forget that ultimately it's up to the players on the field to decide the game. Belgium shouldn't dwell on whether Balogun will play. If you want to be world champions, you must be ready to play against the strongest opponents. Balogun is a very good player, fast, dangerous, and can cause problems for defenders. But it is precisely such matchups that make up the FIFA World Cup. You don't want to hear people say after the game: the opponent lost only because they were short of players. You want to win because you are stronger. Let others discuss the rules and decisions. I have always been a person who respects sports: respect the opponent, respect the decision, and then respond with performance on the field. Belgium did this.

SPORT1: Now it's Spain's turn. What was the first thing that came to your mind after the final whistle?

Pavlovic: Of course, I immediately thought of 1986. (laughs) Belgium playing against Spain in the FIFA World Cup brings back special memories. Many people thought Spain was too strong for Belgium then. But we weren't afraid. We might not have had the most big-name stars, but we had a huge heart. In the end, we made it to the semifinals. Such games are never forgotten. Belgium needs this belief again now.

SPORT1: At Bayern Munich, people always say "we are who we are." Does Belgium need this mentality when playing against Spain?

Pavlovic: Yes! That's what I learned at Bayern Munich. You can't go on the field thinking: the opponent might be stronger. No. In the quarterfinals, you must have this belief. Talent is important, but in the end, it's often the mind that decides everything.

SPORT1: Many consider Spain to be the clear favorite.

Pavlovic: Against Spain, you can't expect to control possession for 90 minutes. Spain likes to control the ball, likes its own rhythm, and wants to wear you down. Belgium must learn to intelligently withstand pressure. This may sound a bit strange, but strong teams can do this. You have to defend without fear, and when you get the ball, you have to be brave enough to attack.

SPORT1: What is the biggest mistake against Spain?

Pavlovic: Just chasing the opponent around. You'll get worn down sooner or later. Spain's technical ability is too strong. You have to show them: we respect you, but we are not afraid of you. There is a big difference between the two.

SPORT1: Romelu Lukaku is Belgium's top scorer and a team leader. You clearly believe he will play a decisive role.

Pavlovic: Anyone who still doubts Lukaku doesn't understand football. Of course, people will focus on his goals, but he brings much more to Belgium than that. He runs, he fights, and he can tie up defenders. Against Spain, you need such players. In the quarterfinals, you might only get two or three real chances. Then you need a finisher up front. Romelu knows where the goal is. Such players don't hide on the big stage; they wait for their moment.

SPORT1: Despite Belgium having many world-class stars, this golden generation has never won a major tournament. Should we admit that this team with De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku, and Courtois should have won a title?

Pavlovic: I understand this discussion. If you have players like De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku, or Courtois, people naturally expect titles. This is normal. But people sometimes forget how difficult it is to win a FIFA World Cup or European Championship. There are too many strong teams. Belgium is just a small country, yet it has been at the top for years. We can be proud of that. Of course, that final step has always been missing. And precisely because of this, games like the one against Spain are particularly important: you can write history here.

"Everyone has to be a little bit like Kevin"

SPORT1: Will Belgium be stronger without Kevin De Bruyne now?

Pavlovic: (laughs) I have to be careful what I say, or Kevin might call me. No, seriously: Belgium stronger without De Bruyne? Considering everything the kid has done, that sounds almost impossible. But a team doesn't live by just one name. In the past, maybe everyone was looking for the ball, then thinking: Kevin will solve the problem. Now everyone has to be a little bit like Kevin. This might bring new energy.

SPORT1: You yourself are a goalkeeper. How important is Courtois in such a game?

Pavlovic: A goalkeeper can decide a quarterfinal. Not just with saves, but with presence and composure. Defenders must feel: there is someone behind us, and if we make a mistake, he is there. This value is immeasurable. Great goalkeepers don't win great games alone, but they make a team believe that anything is possible.

SPORT1: You know this pressure well: FIFA World Cup, knockout stage, the whole country watching. What goes through a player's mind?

Pavlovic: You can't think about millions of people watching. You'll get lost then. You have to go back to being a child. You play because you love the sport. The greatest players can do exactly that: they enjoy the pressure.

"At Bayern Munich, I learned..."

SPORT1: You became a legend at Bayern Munich. What did that time contribute to games like this?

Pavlovic: What I learned at Bayern Munich is that no major tournament is over until the referee blows the final whistle. This mentality – always keep going, always fight – stays with you. You go on the field and say: we respect every opponent, but today they have to beat us first. Talent can take you far, mentality can get you across the finish line.

SPORT1: Do you really believe Belgium can beat Spain?

Pavlovic: Yes. Spain is the favorite, to be honest. But favorite doesn't mean certain victory. Belgium has rediscovered that fire, and that's what's most needed in the FIFA World Cup. Quarterfinals have their own rules. One moment, one save, one goal, everything can change. Belgium must believe in this.

SPORT1: Your prediction? Pavlovic: My heart is with Belgium. (laughs) I say: it will be very tight. But why can't Belgium have another magical night against Spain? We've done it before. In 1986, no one favored us. Perhaps this time, it's Belgium's chance to create a miracle again.

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