Sunday 12 June 2016 19:38, UK
Belgium captain Eden Hazard believes Monday's Euro 2016 clash with Italy could decide the outcome of Group E.
Ireland and Sweden are also in a tough group, but the Chelsea midfielder - skipper in the absence of the injured Vincent Kompany - sees Monday's game in Lyon as the crunch tie.
"The first match is perhaps the most important - if we lose, then we already are under pressure," he said.
"On paper, on the basis of individual quality, it makes sense that we and the Italians fill the two top places in the group but we will not be under-estimating Ireland or Sweden."
Belgium have been studying Italy in the lead-up to the match, added Hazard.
"They have a great defence and it will be up to us to find a solution to bypass it and be able to score," he said.
"(Goalkeeper Gianluigi) Buffon is also a strong captain. He has had a massive career behind him and is still the best at what he does.
"All players would hope to reach his level one day. We have nothing but the utmost respect for him."
Hazard thinks he and Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne could prove decisive.
"Kevin and I are two players who can make a difference," he said. "One day I can make a decisive action and on another day it could be Kevin who does something. I think we can play together perfectly, although our combination at the moment could still improve."
Hazard believes Belgium's squad enough to make a strong challenge for their first major trophy.
"We are not a top favourites, there are two or three countries with a much better armoury than us," he said. "But we also have good players in each position.
"We had a setback in defence, but those who have come in to replace Kompany are among the best players in the world."
