FIFA World Cup 2018: Belgium are the dark horses
Belgium will be wanting to go big in the 2018 FIFA World Cup with several world-class attackers at their disposal. After their 2016 Euro Championship failure, the heavyweights would be determined to do well and go as far as possible. Roberto Martinez has a squad full of superstars, but his tactics are often questionable especially his 3-4-3 formation. Here we analyze Belgium's squad.
Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne hold the aces
Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne could hold the aces for this Belgian side. Both players are extremely versatile and will be their engine of creation. Their goal-scoring attributes will be a threat for the opponents.
Courtois leads goal-keeping line for Belgium
Chelsea number one custodian Thibaut Courtois will be the custodian for Belgium. The vastly experienced goal-keeper will be essential to keep them alive in close encounters. Simon Mignolet will add depth from the bench, but he hasn't played much for Liverpool last season under Jurgen Klopp. Wolfsburg's Koen Casteels is in the mix as well and will challenge Mignolet.
Defense lack the desired depth
Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen are top draws as central defenders. Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen adds cover. But the selection of Yannick Carrasco as left wing-back is an issue, especially due to his lack of tracking back. 26-year-old Thomas Meunier will look to build on the chances as a right wing-back. The likes of Lukaku, Kabasele, Dendoncker and Boyata lack the desired mentality.
Mid-field too dependent on Witsel and de Bruyne
Martinez needs to tweak his tactics rather than sticking to the same formation, given the mid-field choices. Alex Witsel and Kevin de Bruyne are strong players and are the regular choices. Marouane Fellaini provides the influence from the bench. Nacer Chadli and Moussa Dembele are back-up mid-fielders. Adnan Januzaj is there too, but he is unlikely to be called upon.
Forward has a world class feel to it
The attack is where Belgium look at their best. Eden Hazard is the main component of the attack in a three-man show upfront. Romelu Lukaku is the side's number one choice as a striker and was a revelation in the qualifiers. Napoli's Dries Mertens will be in the right side of attack. Michy Batshuayi and Christian Benteke are solid back-up strikers.
