When Soccer pundits predict about the chances of European teams in any world cup usually the names of Italy, France, Spain and England feature in the discussions. Sometimes Portugal, Netherlands and Croatia are also discussed. Few discuss the prospect of Belgium. But Brazil world may witness a new look Belgium team creating few surprises.
With a squad filled with some of Europe's most highly rated youngsters, the eyes of football fans from all over the globe will be fixed on the Red Devils during the World Cup in Brazil. Some people even reckon Belgium have a genuine shot at winning the tournament.
The respect the Belgian team gathers these days has not always been there, and seeing as this is the first world cup Belgium's golden generation will be participating in, fans can be sure the Red Devils will be looking to leave their definitive mark on football's biggest stage. Bulldozing their way through qualifying round, winning eight games, drawing two and losing none, Belgium finished first in group A with a solid total of 26 points, ahead of Croatia__ who finished second. Belgium's best performance was arguably the Red Devils' away match against Serbia, which ended in 3-0. The Belgians' 1-1 draw against Wales was a minor disappointment. Belgium’s solid run during the qualifiers will only strengthen the belief fans have in a successful tournament. Les Diables Rouges lived up to their reputation as one of the tournament’s dark horses, adding more fuel to an already blazing fire of expectation.
Belgium has less population than the people living in Dhaka City even (only about 11 Million). In 2000 it adopted a strategy in collaboration with schools and clubs which has completely revolutionized its football outlook. Coach Marc Wilmot now has luxury of a galaxy of budding Belgian soccer talents to maximize the potential of glittering players.
He has flexibility of playing four central defenders in the back four preferring 4-3-3 formation. This gives the team defensive stability, conceding only four goals in the world cup qualifying matches. The tour-de-force midfield boosted with power allows playmaker Eden Hazard to roam freely whether utilized behind the striker or on the wing.
The Belgium Squad that Wilmot will have at his disposal:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (1899 Hoffenheim), Sammy Bossut (Zulte Waregem).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Laurent Ciman (Standard Liege), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Nicolas Lombaerts (Zenit Saint Petersburg), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Anthony Vanden Borre (Anderlecht), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur).
Midfielders: Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur), Kevin De Bruyne (VfL Wolfsburg), Steven Defour (FC Porto), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Zenit Saint Petersburg).
Strikers : Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Kevin Mirallas (Everton), Divock Origi (Lille).
Belgium’s all time FIFA World Cup top scorer Marc Wilmot was captain of the team in 2002 when they last appeared in world cup finals. He was appointed coach of the national team in 2012 despite having very limited coaching experience. He now carries the expectation of success hungry Belgium nation to reap the fruits of a 10 year plan.
Many of the names are familiar to English Premier League fans – especially supporters of Tottenham and Chelsea – with Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele, Nacer Chadli all playing at Spurs with Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and the injured Eden Hazard all part of the set up at Stamford Bridge. Thibaut Courtois is one of the hottest goalkeeping prospects in European football and is making his name in Spain with Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea, while Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany also leads the national side. Manchester United’s deadline day signing Marouane Fellaini is another player who is admired across the continent.
Belgium now really possesses a golden generation of skillful players. Between the posts it will be hell of a task to choose from two very reliable Custodians__ Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet and Atheltico Madrid star Thibault Courtious. Attacking midfield options alone include Dries Mertens of Napoli, Wolfsburg’s De Bruyne and star English premier league trio Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin Mirallas (Everton) and Marouane Fellani (Manchester United). They will operate ahead of a solid base laid by the likes of Alex Witsel, Steven Defour and Mousee Dembele in central midfield. The deep defense will be marshaled by brilliant defender captain Vincent Kompany. Christene Benteke and Romelo Lukaku (both with EPL experience) with power, speed and an enduring rawness would serve to their unpredictability.
Belgium appeared in six straight world cup tournaments from 1982 to 2002, progressing past the initial group stage each time bar France in 1998. The most memorable of them was at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, with the team marshaled by Jean- Marie Pfaff, Eric Gerets and Jan Ceulemans and featuring budding star Enzo Scifo. Belgium eliminated Soviet Union – the pretournament favorites – before falling to the ultimate Champions Argentina. Belgium could not qualify in 2006 and 2010 when they were in the midst of 10 year rebuilding plan.
Possessing some of the most exciting talents in the world – in the last three years or so, 11 key players were sold in deals totaling almost $A 325 millions. Brutally high expectations now from the team as it is after 12 long years they are again back in world cup tournament.
On paper Belgium should go deep into the tournament starting with advancing from the group having Russia, Algeria, and South Korea. But world cup tournament is an unmerciful area where any silly mistake can cost heavily making reputations and expectations blow with the wind.
World and European champions Spain may force an argument to be considered the best, as will Germany and Italy. But this Belgian squad as the dark horse of Europe has to be considered among the very best at the moment.
BDST: 1015 HRS, MAY 23, 2014
