Can Belgium live up to expectations in Brazil?

Being a tournament dark horse is one of the most perilous journey’s that can be undertaken.  In the example of Belgium’s romp through the samba world capital this summer, it is magnified even greater.

The Red Devils are a team that is littered with talented players throughout the squad.  Under the stewardship of former national great and member of the first golden generation, Marc Wilmots, the noisy neighbor to the west of the Netherlands is primed to take the world by storm.  But could it all go horribly, horribly wrong?

Eden Hazard (foreground) already world class, is the spearhead of the Belgian attack. He is one of many Belgian payers who can help their stock rise even further. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports

When Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard is the tip of the sword Wilmot’s brings to bear, you know you are in a rough 90 minutes.  Along with Hazard, Belgium are graced with the further attacking talents in Kevin De Bruyne, Kevin Mirallas, Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi, Adnan Januzaj, Dries Mertens and Nacer Chadli.  In addition, with a very solid midfield core of Axel Witsel, Mousa Dembele, Steven Defour and Marouane Fellaini, and the addition to the equation so Thibaut Courtois (who is one of the worlds best keepers on current form), they are seemingly prepared to make a mad dash to the quarterfinals at the least.

But how many times have we seen teams with a host of talented attacking players fail when the spotlight shines brightest on them?  For all their attacking talents, two questions that can be raised about Belgium have completely flown under the radar – 1. will their lack of international tournament experience hurt them?, and 2. why has no one considered the questionable nature of their defense?

Thomas Vermaelen (center) is set to partner Kompany in central defense, despite being on the fringe of the Arsenal first team this season. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Despite having Vincent Kompany as their rock at the back, Belgium are quite vulnerable there.  With a lack of quality natural options and both left and right back, they will have to rely on Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld (center backs by trade) as makeshift full-backs.  To make matters worse, Kompany’s central partner at the back is Thomas Vermaelen, who is on the fringe of the first team at Arsenal to the point where he may look for a move away this summer.  It is very likely that with so much emphasis being put on their ability going forward, that Belgium can end up very exposed at the back against the likes of Russia and Algeria who will look to defend first then quickly counter.

"Speculative starting Belgium starting XI v Algeria on June 17thGK: Thibaut CourtoisDF: Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan VertonghenMF: Axel Witsel, Marouaine Fellaini; Kevin Mirallas, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden HazardFW: Romelu Lukaku"

In regards to their lack of experience in international tournaments, you cannot look to their qualifying results as a scape goat.  Make no mistake, qualifying is not 1-0 down to a staunch defensive Russia in the final 10 minutes and finding it in yourself to produce an equalizer.  Yes Belgium have Hazard and his companions, but do they have enough about themselves to come up big with their backs are against the wall?

Russia will be well drilled defensively under Fabio Capello and will keep their shape, but have the ability going forward in the counter attack to make them a dangerous opponent.  We have seen from Algeria the sort of work ethic, physical presence and fitness that gives them the ability to harass Belgium all evening and squeeze out a draw.  South Korea are the only pushovers in the group, but so were New Zealand in 2010.

Simply put, this is the first time most of these players will be saddled with such great expectations, but that is the absolute beauty that comes with the World Cup.  In a tournament being hosted by the games most passionate nation, you just think that maybe these Jonge Rode Duivels will live up to the hype and rise to the challenge.  But do not be surprised if they crash out of the round of 16 – after all, far better teams have done worse on the international stage.