Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain. These are the countries that people often consider to be world football heavyweights.
All around the world, bookmakers and pundits alike attempt to ram it down the throat of fans that these countries are the only ones who have a ‘realistic’ chance.
Tell a football fan that Belgium has a chance and even twelve months ago they would have laughed at you. Bordering football powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Germany and France, Belgium has often been a ‘little brother’ compared to their European neighbours.
And with virtually no success in the football world, Belgium were not considered a ‘danger team’ in last year’s World Cup draw. However through their results in qualifying and a more tight-knit team unit, Belgium has potential to well and truly make a name for themselves at this year’s showpiece in Brazil.
Firstly, all we have to look at is the players they have to offer. In goals, Belgium have two truly great keepers. Thibaut Cortouis of Atletico Madrid is considered by many as one of, if not the best young goalkeeper in the world while Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet can certainly provide quality if played.
Defensively, Belgium is more than capable. With two of the Premier League’s finest centre backs in Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen alongside veterans Thomas Vermualen and Daniel Van Buyten, Belgium’s centre back department is filled to the brim with quality.
Two others to look out for are Toby Alderwield of Atletico Madrid and Nicholas Lombaerts of Zenit St Petersburg. Both are in good form and should get a call up to Brazil.
Belgium’s midfield is well poised to mix and match with the best. Manchester United’s Marrouane Fellaini and Zenit St Petersburg’s Axel Witsel can both hold the midfield and are able to anchor Belgium.
Attacking things also look promising with Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Dembele and exciting young talent Kevin De Bruyne. These players can all have a huge boost and can give Belgium a ‘shot in the arm’ for qualification to the last 16.
Attacking football is one of the strengths of the Belgium team and their slick passing and finishing was very evident during qualifying.
On the left wing is Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, undoubtedly Belgium’s x-factor and the man most feared. When on the ball, he is able to mesmerise any defence and any Premier League defender will be quick to tell you of the young Belgian’s quality.
One the right is either Kevin Mirallas of Everton or Napoli’s Dries Mertens, both able to give Belgium real ammunition when going forward. Up front is the big man himself, Romelu Lukaku.
In incredible goal scoring form for a few years now, Lukaku finds himself spearheading Belgium’s attack especially now with fellow prolific goal scorer Christian Benteke out for the World Cup following a serious injury.
Belgium can also attribute their success to another factor – their coach. Ex-player Marc Wilmots, despite not being a ‘super coach’ on the world stage, has instilled his team with a sense of unity going into the World Cup.
As many ex-winners will tell you, having unity among the team is certainly a key to success. Just look at France in 2010 and how their World Cup fell apart because of a lack of team unity. Additionally, Wilmots arms Belgium with an attacking flair that will allow the side to play good, quality football.
This will also benefit players such as Hazard, Lukaku and Mirallas, who can showcase their flair in front of a worldwide audience.
Probable Line-Up: 4-2-3-1
Cortouis (GK), Lombaerts, Kompany (C), Vertonghen, Alderwield, Fellaini, Witsel, Hazard, Dembele, Mirallas, Lukaku
Don’t be surprised if Belgium can make the round of 16 or even the quarter finals. They might not be able to win it but they will certainly not leave Brazil without some valuable experience.
Also, expect Belgium to get the nod of approval from the Brazilian public, especially following Pele’s comments about the supposed ‘death of attacking football’.
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