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Surprised how strong Belgium look

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They seem to be big underachievers, you could argue the couple tournaments they should have qualified.

You missed out some names as well.

Witsel

Defour

Beneteke

A bit old now but Van Buyten was great a few years ago.

Mirallas

A bit underrated, they're one of my favourite FIFA teams

 
They should compete, but like many international sides over the years i wouldn't be surprised if they were another group that failed.

 
plenty of national teams in the past have looked strong on paper but have choked it in the big tournaments so it's always hard to tell.

But yeah on paper in a few years they'll have one of the top 5 strongest teams in the world IMO.

 
I hope they will be a competitive team, be disappointed otherwise. Having said that, we have seen the Dutch team with quality players missed out world cup, and the so called 'golden generation' of England. They need a good manager, that's for sure.

 
They won 2-0 away to Macedonia, with Hazard getting a pen and De Bruyne scoring the other. Both players looked impressive apparently.

Lukaku and Kompany didn't feature but they still fielded a strong side that included Dembele, Fellaini, Witsel, Benteke, Hazard, De Bruyne, Vertonghen, Courtois etc etc.

They have some serious strength.

They are currently joint top with Croatia on 13 points.

I think Belgium have to be favourites to go through automatically ..

 
Davey Baby said:
They won 2-0 away to Macedonia, with Hazard getting a pen and De Bruyne scoring the other. Both players looked impressive apparently.

Lukaku and Kompany didn't feature but they still fielded a strong side that included Dembele, Fellaini, Witsel, Benteke, Hazard, De Bruyne, Vertonghen, Courtois etc etc.

They have some serious strength.

They are currently joint top with Croatia on 13 points.

I think Belgium have to be favourites to go through automatically ..
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I wonder if it could be a case of the "right" team peaking at the "wrong" time.

A World Cup hosted in the climate of Brazil is going to be as much about adapted to the weather as it is footballing ability.

That Belgium squad is going to potentially have some of the best players in the world at their peak of their careers but I just wonder if they first major tournament could be tainted by the conditions?  

 
^ Well, Brazil will be favourites, obviously, but compared to previous Brazilian teams, they are inexperienced and lacking in a little bit of quality.

Argentina? Very difficult for them to win it in enemy territory, though of course they have a chance, considering their quality and the fact the climate will suit them, but don't underestimate how hostile Brazil will be towards them. The worst thing that could happen for them is Argentina winning it on their soil.

Lavezzi, Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Pastore, Di Maria, Higuain . ?

I don't think they should be short of goals.

There are significant doubts concerning both South American giants' chances, therefore the top European sides will have a chance.

Spain are struggling to qualify but they should be okay and they will be up there with Brazil and Argentina in terms of favourites, but outside of that three I think Belguim are worth a punt.

Yes they lack experience but they have some serious quality and a year down the line some of their top youngsters will be even better, and there are quite a few of them.

Top goalie, top defenders, top midfielders and Lukaku or Benteke up front. 

Last 4 could be a decent shout.

 
Personally I think the world cup might come too soon for them and the next Euro finals might be the one for them.

I personally think you can never write off the Germans or Italians when it comes to the World Cup. 

 
^ Germany and Italy are obviously contenders.

Italy don't have the players IMO.

Germany don't have the coach.

Edit: Brazil v Spain final looks the most likely.

 
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To be honest, Italy have looked poor in terms of players for about 10 years now but somehow they manage to click in the finals.

Germany, they've got a lot of talent in their national team and I would expect them to make the Semi-finals personally.

Spain is an odd one, they've not really bought through many new players since winning the world cup 4 years ago and Vicente del Bosque, to me, seems to have his favorites that he will insist on picking such as picking Carzola ahead of Mata (some possible Chelsea bias maybe) and Torres and Villa getting picked seemingly regardless of their domestic form. It could be that it's one finals too many for them this time around.

Brazil haven't looked great recently but let's face it, it's Brazil. Plus they have "home" advantage. I expect them to reach the semi-finals too.  

 
Well yeah, the WC is such a huge tournament, the cream usually rises to the top, and the winners usually come from a group of 6.

I make Brazil favourites because home advantage will be massive. Woe betide anyone that faces them, and of course, FIFA will be keen to see them progress.

Lucas is a very special player IMO. Neymar and Oscar will be a year older. They will have quality all over the park, and, even if they don't have the best team, they'll definitely be the ones to avoid.

 
I think this world cup is too soon not just due to the location but mainly looking at the age and experience of the players, the majority of them should be better in 4 years time, none of those stars are at the stage where they'll be declining soon.

Ages of the key players in 2018:

Courtois - 25

Kompany - 31

Vertonghen - 29

Vermaelen - 32

Dembele - 29

Fellaini - 30

Defour - 29

Witsel - 29

Hazard - 27

Mertens - 30

KDB - 26

Mirallas - 30

Lukaku - 24

Benteke - 27

They'll lose Van Buyten and Simmons but even now they aren't particularly key players. And of course in 5 years time there may be a handful of players in their late teens/early 20's that could also be as good as Hazard/KDB/Lukaku are now.

2018 in Russia I think they'll be in with a good shout, nearly the whole first team will be at their peak ages.

 
^ Good post, Jonty.

They won 1-0 last night with Hazard scoring a good goal.

Croatia beat Wales so they're still level.

 
^ It looks like the game in Belgium between the two will decide things.

Should be a good game.

 
Davey Baby said:
^ Good post, Jonty.

They won 1-0 last night with Hazard scoring a good goal.

Croatia beat Wales so they're still level.
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Who is this Hazard guy - is he any good? :smile:

 
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