Unbeaten in World Cup qualifying, the impressive Belgians face a stern test of their credentials when they host France in Brussels on Wednesday (August 14).
They reached every World Cup finals from 1982 to 2002.But since then though, Belgium have been missing out.That fallow run appears about to come to an end, thanks to the current crop of highly-talented entertainers.The Chelsea trio of Kevin de Bruyne, Romulu Lukaka and Eden Hazard provide much of the spark in a team that has climbed to tenth in the world.Belgium face old rivals France in a friendly on Wednesday, but Hazard and coach Marc Wilmots, believe their side are ready for the challenge.
Eden Hazard“I think the French national team is a really good team.They have good players, they are skilled, talented but we can be as good as them. We are going to try our best and play well, since we are playing at home.”Eden Hazard“We have been training for one month now. Actually, I think that we are ready to play this game against a really good team. We just hope that everything is going to be fine.”
Marc Wilmots, Belgian coach“Last night, orthopaedic soles were made for Moussa Dembele in order to improve his ankle injury. The foot specialist came late last night and worked on his orthopaedic soles. Moussa Dembele did train and has to get used to his new soles, but so far he seems to be in a good shape during the training. Stephen Dufour has a problem with his back. (But) When he came from Porto he could train normally. I have 23 players fit and they are all ready.”
Marc Wilmots men have won six and drawn one in seven World Cup qualifying fixtures.And there will be no let-up in the pressure on Wednesday.
