Belgium
Rank: 12
World Cup appearances: Best result: Top SCORERS Did you know? Although Manchester United are knows as the "Red Devils" universally, Belgium are also called "Diables Rouges" which is French for the same title. |
Comfortable qualification and a pool of young talent that is the envy of most of Europe make Belgium among the fancied teams at the World Cup, but a lack of experience and weak finishing could cut short their progress.
Bookmakers rank Belgium, playing in their first finals since 2002, as fifth favourites behind hosts Brazil, former winners Argentina and Germany, and defending champions Spain. It is easy to see why. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is cementing his reputation at Atletico Madrid, captain Vincent Kompany shores up the back at Manchester City, a rich midfield contains the dazzling skills of Chelsea's Eden Hazard and giant Romelu Lukaku can crush defences.
The depth of talent goes beyond that starting eleven and, with an average age in the mid-20s, Belgium still have plenty of scope to improve.
Belgium's greatest challenge, though, may lie in its strike force. Christian Benteke of Aston Villa was already blowing hot and cold, able to create goals out of nothing but also capable of missing gaping chances.
His torn Achilles means Belgium will rely on Lukaku alone up front, and he has prospered since his missed penalty for Chelsea in the early season UEFA Super Cup led to a loan season at Everton.
They could also take a risk with Adnan Januzaj after the Brussels-born 19-year-old Manchester United forward, eligible for several countries, committed himself to Belgium. At least their players will not be overawed by playing in front of big, passionate crowds in impressive stadiums as they deal with that every week of the season.
STRENGTH
Incredible squad
Even before Belgium qualified for the World Cup, which was inevitable, football analysts and fans alike were mesmerised by the options this side would have given that most of their players boast the experience of playing in top leagues all over Europe and almost all of them have heavy impact in their respective clubs. They're physically dominant, technically excellent, boast ridiculous depth in almost every area and have some eye-popping speed and trickery on the wings.
WEAKNESS
Inexperience
There doesn't appear to be an awful lot wrong with this bunch, but inexperience at major tournaments is a well-covered angle when it comes to discussing their potential performance.
ONE TO WATCH
Eden Hazard
Belgium's chances of living up to their billing as the dark horses of the World Cup lie in large part at the lightning-fast feet of Eden Hazard. The son of a father and mother who both played professional football, the 23-year-old has struggled to reproduce for his country the kind of displays for Chelsea that have made him one of Europe's hottest talents.
With Hazard's defence-splitting runs, feints and eye for goal, the ability of the winger to turn matches his team's way has drawn comparisons with the giants of the game such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
In a young and talented Belgium side brimming with confidence after qualifying for their first World Cup since 2002, Hazard will be expected to play a key role in creating openings for teammates such as striker Lukaku.
As well as his pace and balance, which help him drift past defenders, Hazard has added a hard-working defensive side to his game under Chelsea's Jose Mourinho.
Coach: Marc Wilmots
After retiring, the 45-year-old dabbled in politics and began coaching, although his first role at lowly Belgian club St Truiden lasted just eight months.
Wilmots has not tinkered much with the squad he inherited, but has created a far better sense of unity than his predecessor, including among those players on the bench.
Wilmots's teams play with more fluidity and patience, built on a confidence that they will eventually break down opponents.
The coach has tweaked sides to suit particular matches, but what is not known so clearly is his ability to react to adversity.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (Hoffenheim)
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit St Petersburg), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Nacer Chadli (Tottenham), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham), Steven Defour (Porto), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Marouane Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj (both Manchester United), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg)
Forwards: Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea), Dries Mertens (Napoli)
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