13 Aug 2008

Olywhites coach says Belgium more physical

1:26 pm on 13 August 2008

New Zealand's men's football team is still in with a chance of advancing to the second round of the Olympic competition when they play Belgium tonight.

It's become a must-win game after their draw with China and big loss to Brazil.

The Olywhites coach Stu Jacobs says his team are not overawed by Europeans and he says their style of play is probably similar to his young side's.

Jacobs says the Belgians will be a bit more direct, certainly not as good as the Brazilians but more physically dominating.

He says his job is to get the players fresh - he doesn't think motivation will be an issue.

The game kicks off at a quarter to midnight.