Haroun ready to upset neighbours

Point enough
The Diablotins could reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history if they manage at least a draw against tournament hosts and holders the Netherlands, who have already made the last four by beating Israel and Portugal. However, Haroun says Belgium will resist the temptation to sit back and take it easy at the Abe Lenstra Stadium. "I will face this game like any other," he said. "It is true that one point is enough for us to go through but we can't think like that, we have to play to win. If, at the end of the match, we draw and both teams qualify it is good, but we will definitely play to win."

Superb performance
The 21-year-old has become progressively more important to Belgium during the course of the competition. After featuring for just five minutes of their 0-0 opener against Portugal, he turned in a superb second-half performance in the 1-0 victory over Israel. A starting place now beckons for the KRC Genk player with Marouane Fellaini and Jan Vertonghen both suspended, and coach Jean-François De Sart said: "His display last Wednesday against Israel did not surprise me because he had proved in the last two training sessions before the game that he was ready."

'Everyone fresh'
Haroun feels comfortable with the place he has in De Sart's plans, saying: "The coach has always trusted me. I have showed him both in Genk and here that he can trust me and that is why he has always called on me." He believes the mood in the camp is buoyant and targets have already been set beyond the Netherlands match, though for now there is unfinished business to attend to. "Everyone feels fresh and ready to play," Haroun said. "We came here to qualify for the semi-finals to go to the Beijing Olympics. It is true that it would be a first time if we qualify, but we won't stop there and we will try to go as far as possible."