Bold Mirallas backs 'confident' Belgium

Forward Kevin Mirallas is convinced Belgium can go "all the way" at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship after a 0-0 draw against Portugal in Sunday's Group A opener.

'All the way'
Jean-François De Sart's side put in a fine performance against a highly-rated Portugal team, leaving the 19-year-old Mirallas feeling optimistic as he looks forward to meeting Israel on Wednesday. "From now on, the other teams will have to be careful with Belgium," he said. "I think we can go all the way."

Team effort
Belgium failed to score at the Euroborg Stadium in Groningen but showed their strength in terms of team work. "We had a good game," said Mirallas. "I would have preferred to score and give my team victory but we will have to carry on working like this on Wednesday. There is a lot of talent in this team. We showed that, but we need to show it again in the next games." Ten members of De Sart's squad were involved in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers last week, and Mirallas accepts that the pressure is on the U21s to succeed and give the underperforming senior side a lift. "The first team is not doing very well so there are great expectations on the young players," he said. "We have to carry on this way. We need to keep a cool head."

Confident mood
The LOSC Lille Métropole striker made 23 Ligue 1 appearances in 2006/07 and also featured in the UEFA Champions League. That experience is already proving to be a major bonus for Belgium, and Mirallas is confident in his ability. "My team-mates know they can count on me," he said. "When they give me the ball, they know I will do something good with it." Belgium's main target remains qualifying for the semi-finals and earning a place in the Olympics in China. A win against Israel could bring that aim closer, though Mirallas is not expecting an easy ride. He said: "Israel are a strong team. They are very difficult to play against. We know it's not going to be an easy game but we're confident - we'll try to play well and win it."