Although every major international tournament and domestic league has its own array of favourites who are considered well equipped and have the quality required to be champions, football can often throw up surprises that go against all odds. The highly anticipated 2014 World Cup is expected to be one of the best tournaments in modern history, with the quality provided by each of the thirty-two participants growing in strength every four years. Brazil and Argentina are widely considered as strong favourites by pundits and bookmakers due to the wonderful array of talent in their squad, but more importantly have the advantage of playing in their own continent where considerable heat and humidity levels will suit them. Germany and Spain provide Europe’s greatest hope of being victorious at the World Cup, but Belgium have arisen as serious dark horses who could pose a real problem to any team they face, including the favourites.  


Experience and youth

Belgium’s rise to prominence has come as a result of a golden generation emerging through a youth system that continues to produce promising players. Many of those who starred for the Under 21s throughout 2007 and 2008 have made a name for themselves and developed into top quality players, with Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard and Kevin Mirallas amongst those who provide considerable strength and pace in all areas of the pitch. Marc Wilmots has instilled confidence in his young players and enjoys a close relationship with his squad who understand what it means to play for Belgium and maintain discipline as professional footballers. It effectively removed the fear factor that crippled Belgium in the past, with their star players now able to express themselves and work together as a tight-knit group.


Their 2014 World Cup squad is packed with youth that could create the bedrock of Belgium’s future in major tournaments, but also includes a couple of experienced heads who can lead by example. Although they may not feature at the World Cup, defenders Daniel van Buyten and Nicolas Lombaerts have the respect of their team-mates and are excellent alternatives if any of Belgium’s defensive quartet of Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld pick up an injury. They provide a wonderful backline for Thibaut Courtois who is considered amongst the top five goalkeepers in the world at just 22. While Hazard is the star turn in Belgium’s attack, they can depend on Moussa Dembele and Axel Witsel to be dynamic and create chances from central midfield. Christian Benteke’s untimely Achilles injury has thrust 21-year-old Romelu Lukaku into the limelight, with the powerful forward set to shine. Wilmots has also included two exciting young prospects in the form of Adnan Januzaj and Divock Origi who have enjoyed wonderful breakthrough seasons at Manchester United and Lille respectively.  


Chances of success

Being drawn in Group H alongside Russia, South Korea and Algeria creates an interesting group which is likely to be more difficult than it may seem for Belgium to qualify. An on-song Russia can be dangerous opponents for any side, while South Korea play an attractive style of football that could pose a problem. It is not beyond the realms of belief that Algeria could surprise the odds and make it out of the group, although they arguably do not possess the quality of the other Group H teams. There is no doubt that Belgium will fancy their chances of qualifying, although their second round match could be one of the standout fixtures in the World Cup; the Red Devils face the daunting prospect of facing either Germany, Portugal, Ghana or the USA from Group G.