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Belgium are many people's dark horses to win the World Cup. Press Association Images
looking ahead

5 reasons why Belgium will win the World Cup

The lack of pressure and more factors that could work in the Belgians’ favour.

1. Pure talent

ACCORDING TO THE Guardian, the Belgian squad is worth approximately €180 million — only Brazil and Portugal have higher valuations.

Everywhere you look there is star quality, whether it is in goals (Thibaut Courtois) or up front (Romelu Lukaku).

Simply put, there are few sides who can match Belgium player-for-player.

And perhaps more importantly, they have developed into a proper team in recent years, having been previously a promising collection of individuals who for one reason or another struggled with results.

2. They’re in the easiest group to win

The World Cup draw was undoubtedly kind to Belgium, pitting them against Algeria, Russia and South Korea.

It would thus be a major surprise if Marc Wilmots’ side fail to finish first, let alone make it past the group stages.

Meanwhile, their most likely opponents in the second round, Portugal, will potentially be exhausted from a decidedly difficult group that includes Ghana, Germany and USA.

The Belgians are consequently already at an advantage compared with most contenders and could even rest their first team against Korea, assuming they beat Algeria and Russia in their opening matches.

3. Evidence on the field

Belgium highlighted their growing prowess as an international side in the qualifiers for the tournament.

Despite having failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, they achieved their goal comfortably this time around.

They were unbeaten in a group that included the tricky likes of Croatia and Serbia, as well as an improving Wales side, winning eight and drawing two (the latter of which was the final game with the Welsh when they had already qualified).

They were impressive too in their recent warm-up game with Sweden, outclassing their opponents and winning 2-0, in addition to beating Tunisia 1-0 at the weekend.

4. They boast arguably the world’s best centre-back

Belgium’s players may not have much trophy-winning experience, but Vincent Kompany is an exception in this regard.

Kompany was a rock at the centre of defence for City this year and was a vital part of their squad as they won both the Premier League and the Carling Cup.

The captain’s leadership will be vital in the mentoring of younger players such as Januzaj and Courtois, while his organisational ability and superior reading of the game should ensure the Belgians give no cheap goals away.

Moreover, Jan Vertonghen or Thomas Vermaelen aren’t exactly bad alternative choices at centre-half.

5. No significant pressure

Very few people genuinely expect Belgium to win the World Cup, whereas Spain, Brazil and even less fancied sides, such as England, to an extent have to cope with the burden of expectation.

With Belgium having failed to even qualify for the past few tournaments and not exactly having a rich footballing history, few people expect them to be serious contenders.

Consequently, such reduced expectations could well work in their favour, with the quarter-finals probably the point that most critics feel will prove a step too far for Wilmots’ team.

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