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’.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
There are quite a few countries at the world cup who are dangerous floaters and could beat any nation on their day. Teams like Chile, Ivory Coast, Colombia, Belgium, Croatia and Japan. Should be an amazing world cup.
Mantis
Roar Guru
Japan did them not long ago. I know it was a friendly, but just saying...
1860melbourne
Guest
Of the many European nations that will fail to make it out of their group Belgium will be one of them. Some talented individuals who perform well for their english sides . But take them out of their comfort zone to a world cup on the other side of the world and they will struggle. Inexperience at this level will be their undoing. 2018 is there best bet.
al
Guest
All 7 World Cups hosted on the American continent since the beginning were won by South American teams. And 9 out of 10 World Cups hosted in Europe were won by Europeans.
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
Steve above is spot on, there's a Belgium article about once a month to this effect - I wrote the first one.......... I don't think they're dark horses at all because everyone keeps talking about them and knows how good they are. I can't see them winning this World Cup but if they keep improving they could have a decent run at the next Euros possibly. What is interesting is how reputations sometimes overrun the facts. We all keep hearing about this mythical Belgian team - few of us have watched them play - yet many of their players might not be quite as good as we think. Fellaini has proven a level below what is required - so far - at United. Mourinho obviously doesn't think Lukaku has it yet at the highest level. Vincent Kompany who is so lauded was culpable for all 3 goals on Sunday (dummied for the first, lost the player he was marking at the front post for the second and miskick for the 3rd). They're a very good solid team with an excellent keeper and plenty of other very good players such as Hazard and Axel Witsel. Quarter finals probably. It is usually a very very good team with little or no weaknesses and pedigree that wins the World Cup, not dark horses.
Brian
Guest
They have the talent and a good draw but Argentina in the quarters should be as far as it goes. Lots of teams look good on paper. How many Champions League trophies would Real Madrid have in the last 10 years if only they played on paper.
Towser
Guest
Nice thought, but put the thought into the same bin as "an African nation will win the World Cup soon" . The more you win at the top ,the more you learn to keep winning at the top. and the more the self belief that you should keep winning at the top prevails. So far in World football I see no evidence that the Monopoly at the football Summit will be toppled. Ie You could see it with Spain or the Netherlands for instance long ago,Spain broke through to win and have joined the "World Cup Winners circle",the Netherlands still crumble when it counts. Belgium are not even in the same league as the Netherlands at World Cup time in producing on the park. If it wins it will be like a Blackpool donkey winning the Grand National.
Steve
Guest
In a word, no. France for one are better than Belgium across the park, with the exception of GK. Portugal have just as many top players as Belgium. Moutinho would wipe the floor with Mirallas, Witsel etc. for a start. Plus Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile are all better too.
LX
Guest
No, they should beat the unreliable Portugese. And are a class above all other European qualifier, with the exception of only Spain, Germany and Italy. Talent is there. Witsel and Lombaerts are solid and will link well through their time playing together at Zenit, and have flown under the radar while we are excessively exposed to the English and Spanish top flights. Mertens has been prolific for Napoli so he is another classy option. Anything can happen at World Cups, but this team is priming. Anything short of Quarter Finals will have been an underachievement.
Steve
Guest
Not this again. It seems like the Belgium articles appear every 2 months, probably for click bait. With the exception of Hazard, Courtois and Kompany, the rest have all failed to live up to the hype and ate not having good seasons at all. I mean, praising any of Tottenham's defenders makes you look silly after the season they have had. Felliani and KdB massive failures at United and Chelsea. An overrated side who will lose to the first top 10 side they play, probably Portugal.