Belgium has appeared on the grandest stage of FIFA World Cup 2018, Russia on twelve occasions. Commonly known as the ‘Red Devils', Belgium has a plethora of talents capable enough to raise some eyebrows.
Belgium has never won the prestigious trophy and their greatest football achievement dates back to 1920, where the men's football team won the gold medal at the Antwerp Olympics.
In the last few years, Belgium Football has risen from the ashes. Their good showing landed them the top spot in FIFA rankings in 2015. In the last FIFA World Cup, the Red Devils had an impressive outing only to be ended by the eventual finalist Argentina in the quarterfinals. With an impressive and far-sighted manager and a squad full of big names, Belgium fans certainly have big reasons to remain hopeful this year.
Here, are the top 5 reasons why Belgium is a force to be reckoned with:
1. Coaching Staff
With a large plethora of talent which includes the likes of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, and Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku, manager Roberto Martinez cannot ask for more.
Manager Roberto Martinez is an experienced campaigner and has made a name for himself with his impressive displays at Everton, Swansea City, and Wigan Athletic.
Belgium’s attack looks solid on paper with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi, and Michy Batshuayi all expected to put up a stellar show at the grandest stage. Add former France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to the mix it's scary right?
2. Balanced Squad
Belgium’s squad has a nice blend of youth and experience. With the likes of Thibaut Courtois at the goal, Vincent Kompany, and Toby Alderwelreld at the big defence, De Bruyne, Radja Nainngolan doing the midfield duties, and Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, Belgium would have lifted the trophy if it was played on papers. The current Belgium squad is the best that the country ever offered.
3.The big three
The big three; Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Romelu Lukaku who are potential darlings of their respective football clubs have the potential to turn the outcome of any matches single-handedly on their day.
Kevin De Bruyne: This Belgian midfielder is one of the main reason for Manchester City's successful campaign. With 44 assists, and 21 goals in his 101 appearances is certainly one of the most valuable players in the world.
Eden Hazard: The main man of Chelsea is certainly one of the players to look out for. With his dribbling, pace, and finishing, Hazard is simply a nightmare for any defender. He will do all the hard work running down the flanks, providing delightful crosses, and also will also be on the score sheet on any given day.
Romelu Lukaku: At only 25 years of age, Lukaku is the country’s all-time leading goal scorer. Not shy of his big-money move he hit the ground running at his new club Manchester United, providing scintillating displays one after the other.
4. The big stage experience
Belgium may not have won the World Cup or Euro Cup but their players have achieved incredible feats playing all across Europe.
Belgium has players who have big game experience and that can be quite an advantage for them. They have players from clubs of Europe's elite football leagues like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Roma, and Napoli who have all achieved incredible domestic feats.
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