World Cup 2014 Team Spotlight – Belgium
After enjoying a lot of international success in the 1980’s and 1990’s – a golden generation – Belgium has missed the last few World Cups. Their best finish was in 1986 at Mexico – 4th. It was the only time they made it past the round of 16.
Belgium
Group H: Russia, Belgium, Korea Republic, Algeria
Odds to Win Group: -150
Odds to Win World Cup: +2000
Group Stage Schedule
June 17 vs. Algeria
June 22 vs. Russia
June 26 vs. Korea
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World Cup History
They have probably never been as highly thought of as they are right now as they qualified with ease and are high in the FIFA rankings.
Strengths
Thought not thought of in the same vain as Brasil or Spain, Belgium has lots of top quality players that are playing throughout the major European leagues.
They are definitely going to be on the attack at the World Cup and their recent play means they won’t be sneaking up on anybody.
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They are very good at dominating possession and pinning opponents on their own side of half.
They are very physical and are a tight knit group, which is not to be overlooked as winning a World Cup demands sacrifice.
Weaknesses
Belgium is very aggressive which sometimes leaves them vulnerable on the counter attack. Also, as good as their players are individually this is still heady territory for the nation, competing with the best teams in the World and playing well.
During qualifying they sometimes let the game go a little too long relying on late scores for victories.
Now that the calibre of opponent is raised they may have to try and get into opponents more quickly to take the pressure off.
For some of their opponents a draw will be like a win.
Key Player – Eden Hazard
Though Vincent Kompany is the captain, Hazard is the player that opponents need to be concerned with. He has the freedom to go on runs and scored 14 goals for Chelsea this season. He has been in the news lately with rumours that he was leaving Chelsea for PSG but now that doesn’t look like it is going to happen.
They need him to be focused if they are going to realize their potential.
Prediction: 1st in Group H
Belgium is the class of this group and should advance to the knockout stage relatively easily. They might have a little trouble with Russia, possibly a draw, but assuming they take care of business it should be smooth sailing after that.
They are an interesting proposition to win the whole thing but I think they need something unexpected to happen.
