‘‘We have had a lot of criticism, particularly back in Belgium,’’ said Waseige.

‘‘Therefore, we are really happy that this is not a team that you can throw away like they claimed back home.

‘‘We have five points and have scored six goals, so I am very happy with my team.

‘‘The players fought hard and we deserved it and I am delighted to still be here.’’

Belgium will now play four-time champions Brazil in Kobe on Monday.

‘‘We see it is a great honour that we can play Brazil at a World Cup,’’ said Waseige.

‘‘We will obviously have to be on top of our game if we are to beat them.

‘‘But it is just nice that we can even dream of beating Brazil.’’

Russia captain Viktor Onopko was bitterly disappointed by their exit, revealing that not even a good luck call from president Vladimir Putin could inspire them to victory.

‘‘I cannot find the words about what it means to lose,’’ said Onopko.

‘‘We have done a lot of work as a team and we are very sorry not to have qualified for the next round.

‘‘The president called us before the match to wish us luck but we are very sorry for our supporters. The loss is a tragedy.’’