Belgium have the quality to
challenge in Brazil next year. The Red Devils can shine in
Brazil.
Belgium have qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after winning eight of their qualifiers, but do they have the quality to win it?
Let's look at the depth of
the Belgian team and why they could have a world-beating squad.
Firstly, Belgium have two
top-quality goalkeepers in Courtois and Mignolet. They're both renowned
shot-stoppers, having both played at high levels in club football. It's
difficult to choose between them, as they're both so talented, and very rarely
let in any goals - Belgium have kept six clean sheets from nine games played in
the qualifiers.
The defending options are
also extensive. At centre-back, the likes of Kompany, Vertonghen and Vermaelen
are options, each of which being a dominant force for their Premier League club
defences. Kompany is arguably one of the world's finest defenders, with both
Vertonghen and Vermaelen ranking very highly too - they're strong, great in the
air and very powerful, giving Belgium a fearsome choice of centre-halves to
choose from.
Alderweireld, van Buyten and
Lombaerts are also very impressive defenders who could give any of Belgium's
other options a battle to get into the starting 11.
Full-back is probably
Belgium's weakest position - but that doesn't mean it's weak. Alderwiereld can
also play in this position, as can Vertonghen, but the likes of Gillet and
Pocognoli are no pushovers, and can provide strong support for the attack as
well as being dominant in defence.
Now we get to the hub of the
Belgian national team, and the biggest selection headache for the manager:
midfield and attack. In centre midfield there are a number of options, and with
names like Fellaini, Dembélé, De Bruyne, Witsel, Naingollan and Defour to
choose from, it's no secret that Belgium have remarkable talent in this area.
These players are proven top-class midfielders, each in their respective
leagues, who are game-changers. Their strength and passing makes them a top
choice for any starting team.
On the wings, Hazard is the
stand-out player. However, Chadli, Mertens and Mirallas are all very talented
players. Lamah and Lestienne also posses a considerable amount of ability.
They're all full of pace and skill, and there's no doubting the talent they
possess. They are all fully capable of a long range goal, a blistering run or a
dazzling piece of skill, which is vital for any wide player - Belgium certainly
don't lack pace.
Finally, up front, Benteke
and Lukaku. They are names that send shivers down the back of defences, not
least in the Premier League, where they've been tearing defences apart for
their respective teams. Full of power and pace, they're a force to be reckoned
with, and are able to create a chance out of nothing. On their own, they're a
threat. But with both in one team... now you're talking serious firepower.
They're proven goalscorers who, with the support behind them and out wide, have
no trouble finding the net for their country.
Belgium also have other less
well-known players at their disposal, such as;Vossen, Martens, Mboyo, Thorgan
Hazard, Odjidja-Ofoe, De Camargo, Bakkali, Daems, Buffel, Van Damme, De Sutter
and Mpoku. Keep your eyes out because any of these could potentially feature
for their country sometime soon.
So there you have it. Belgium
have strength in depth, and are not short of game-changing stars. Whether they
have what it takes to challenge the likes of Brazil and Spain remains to be
seen, but they're definitely not a team you'd want to write off - they're the
dark horses to look out for.
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