Beware of Belgium – Fifa World Cup 2014

As the World Cup approaches, people are talking about the likes of Germany, Spain and Brazil as the favorites and while you can’t argue with them, I see Belgium as the dark horses in the competition. They have a fantastic group of players and most of these players are playing with top clubs in Europe.

Thibaut Courtious will start in-goal for them and he is widely regarded as the best in the business. Despite being only 21, he has shown tremendous maturity and he has been a key figure and Atletico’s successful campaign in Spain and in Europe. The back four is likely to consist of Van Buyten, Tottenham’s jan Vertonghen, Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen and Man City captain, Vincent Kompany. It’s a very strong and experienced back four and they’ll look to Kompany to be the driving force in the team.

Belgium have got a wide variety of options in the midfield, particularly in the attacking sense. While Maroune Fellaini and Moussa Dembele will look to sit in front of the back four and dictate terms, the onus will be on the likes of Eden Hazard, Witsel, Adnan Januzaj and others to show their creativity and support Romelu Lukaku.

Hazard has had a fantastic season at Chelsea, Lukaku has been outstanding for Everton during his loan stint while Januzaj was probably the best thing which happened to United this season. Apart from the flair of Witsel, Januzaj and Hazard, Belgium also have the likes of Everton’s Kevin Mirallas, Kevin De Bruyne and Chadli so there is no shortage of talent in their attacking midfield.

With Christian Benteke being injured, Belgium will look to Romelu Lukaku to provide the ammunition up front. The Chelsea man has had two great seasons in the premier league and his strength and hold up play could prove to be very difficult to handle for opposition defense.

This side is probably one of the best side as far as individual brilliance is concerned and they have players who can make a difference with a moment of pure brilliance. They are still young and inexperienced on the international arena but with such a squad, they can beat anyone on their day. I’m backing them to reach the semi finals of the World Cup and from then on, it could go anywhere.