“Japan thought they were going to face a team, but today 12 gladiators turned up to represent Belarus!” Ihar Bryshtsel told FIFA seconds after a 3-1 victory over Japan moved them on to six points from a possible six in Group C.
“I thought we were excellent. We fought for every ball. We were very good defensively and linked up well with the ball. Even the goal Japan scored, we scored it for them! I don’t think anyone could disagree that we were the better team throughout.”
One thing Bryshtsel did disagree with was the Player of the Match award. The TSG awarded it to him, indebted to a combative and classy display decorated by a sublime overhead kick, but the 36-year-old believes it should have gone to Mikhail Avgustov. The goalkeeper saved a penalty, made another breathtaking save and scored, while Belarus’ third goal came from Yusuke Kuwai spilling his drive.
“Misha was outstanding,” said Bryshtsel. “I’m pleased with my performance, I scored a beautiful goal, but Mikhail was on another level. If I could give this award to him I would.
“The penalty save was at a crucial moment. He scored a great goal. I’ve played with a lot of top goalkeepers and he’s up there.”
“It was a perfect day for me,” said Avgustov. “I was desperate to save the penalty and fortunately I did. I was also so happy to score. It gave me power. It gave me confidence for our next games.
“Japan are a great side. It was a united effort from Belarus. I thought we played really well, controlled the game. Now we will try and do the same against Colombia.”
“Producing performances like that is what Misha does all the time,” said Artsemi Drozd, who was also on the score-sheet.
“It felt wonderful, wonderful to score,” he said. “It was my first World Cup goal. It was an amazing feeling.
“I felt a rush of adrenaline. In fact, it was like feeling three, four rushes of adrenaline because my wife and my twin daughters are here. It was indescribable scoring in the World Cup in front of them.”
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