Belgium: A team to watch out for in WC 2014

‘Belgium National Football team’ also known as “Red Devils”, will be a team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2014 (if they qualify) where one can even look to bet. They a have huge pool of talented players who have already proved themselves at their respective club levels and hence need no introduction. Further, they also have some exceptional upcoming talents. If they manage to qualify for the World Cup 2014, after a gap of 12 long years, they will be a team capable of raising many eyebrows with their performances.

Currently coached under Marc Wilmots, who also featured in the 2002 World Cup and produced emphatic performances against some of the top opposition, has now been given the responsibility of making the Red Devils reach the World Cup Finals in 2014 at Brazil. With no dearth of talent countrywide, Belgium has never lived up to their potential in big competition games with a 3rd Place at 1972 EURO Cup being their only notable performance till date.

But things might be different during this time around. They have started their campaign in their road to the finals on a positive note. With 3 wins and 1 draw in 4 games, they currently sit at the top of their group in world cup qualifiers, equal on points with Croatia and if everything goes in the same way as it is going now, they can make their dream come true.

Having a look at their current team, behind the bars they have Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Matrid on loan from Chelsea), currently regarded as one of the brightest young goalkeeping talents worldwide. Their central defence pairing includes the ever reliable duo of Vincent Kompany (Man City) and T. Vermaelen (Arsenal). Kompany, in particular, can also provide the leadership required in the success of any team. Further, as full backs, they have talented players like Toby Alderweild (Ajax) and Vertonghen (Spurs). If required, they also use the presence and experience of Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich).

Their central midfield, comprising of the combative pair of Fellaini (Everton) and Dembele (Spurs), can not only can provide a cover ahead of their defence but also are capable of attacking play. Fellani has already excelled in his target man role at Goodison Park while Dembele has shown promise in his good build up plays to attacks. Both of them can be vital for any top squad. Alex Witsel (Zenit St. Petersburg) is also a very capable player who can be used both in the central midfield position and also on wings.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea) does not require any introduction. He made one of the biggest transfer headlines in the last transfer window and took the EPL by storm after his introduction with some consecutive match winning performances.

The likes of Radja Nainggolan (Cagliari), Nacer Chadli (FC Twente) and Kevin Mirallas (Everton) can be very effective when called for action.

In attack, they have the likes of Romelu Lukaku (West Brom on loan from Chelsea), considered by many football pundits as the next Drogba, who has the ability to make any organized defence pay for any mistakes. Also, they have the likes of Benteke (Aston Villa), who by his sheer pace and skills can put any team under trouble as he did against Manchester United at Villa Park. Dries Mertens (PSV) can also provide a cover and again is equally effective in the final third of the opposition’s half.

Lets hope they make into the finals of World Cup 2014 so that football lovers can witness a footballing giant getting up from its slumber.

Possible Starting Line up (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alderweild, Vermaelen, Kompany, Ventonghen; Fellaini, Dembele; Witsel, Hazard, Mirallas; Benteke