#7-Belgium

#7-Belgium
Nickname-Rode Duivels (Red Devils)
UEFA
FIFA Ranking-#12
Group H (Belgium, Russia, Algeria, South Korea)
Projected Results...
Win to Russia
Win to Algeria
Win to South Korea
Manager-Marc Wilmots
Qualified through first place in UEFA WC Qualifying Group A
12th World Cup Appearance (1930, 1934, 1938, 1954, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)

Belgium is my dark horse in this tournament, but they really aren't a dark horse anymore, as they have captured the attention of many soccer enthusiasts around the world. They are a young team, that has developed nicely with players at all positions playing at world class clubs. In goal, there are two world class keepers in Thibaut Courtois from Atletico Madrid and Simon Mignolet from Liverpool. I expect Courtois to get the nod in goal due to his recent form, but you can't go wrong with either. On defense, there's a great deal of depth, dependability, and stability. In the midfield, there's so much depth and quality, and at forward, this team may be a little bit thin due to the injury to Christian Benteke. But Romelu Lukaku is a great option up front, and if Benteke didn't suffer an injury, I would have probably picked Belgium even higher. Maybe Adnan Januzaj, the wonder kid from Manchester United, will help Lukaku up front. They missed out on the last two World Cups, but are back and dangerous. They are led by Marc Wilmots, a former Belgian legend. I expect them in the final 8 for sure, and they are a team that can absolutely make a run at winning this tournament. Here are three catalysts for this team:

Romelu Lukaku-Plays for Everton in the Premier League, a strong, big body with a rocket of a shot. He will score in this tournament, but once the knockout stages come he'll probably need some support. He's only 20 years old, with 27 appearances and 5 goals. Lukaku will be a player to watch.

Eden Hazard-One of the best midfielders in the world, playing for Chelsea. He has devastating pace, great vision, and is capable of scoring spectacular goals. He can do it all, and if he's in form, the rest of the field are in trouble. 23 years old, 43 appearances, and 5 goals.

Vincent Kompany-So important to this team's back line, and will anchor the defense. I really like the way he plays, and his experience with Manchester City will help him in leading and composing good efforts from his teammates. 28 years old, 57 appearances, 4 goals.

This is a really strong team, and will be for years to come. I like them to make a run at this, but their forwards worry me.