Soccer World Cup

5 Reasons Why Belgium Will Hoist the World Cup in 2014

World Cup: Belgium Can Triumph in Brazil

Belgium National Team World Cup
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The Belgium National Team, or the Red Devils, have become the dark horse pick for many to make a deep run in the 2014 World Cup. Their best finish in the World Cup was top four in the 1986 event in Mexico. Coach Mark Wilmots has an inexperienced World Cup team with an average age of 24. Despite this, there are several reasons to believe that Belgium can live up to their Cinderella status.

5. Current Players are Featured in Top Teams

Captains Armband EPL
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5. Current Players are Featured in Top Teams

Captains Armband EPL
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Many of Belgium's starters are currently featuring for the top teams in the English Premier League. Although Aston Villa is not in the top of the table, Christian Benteke looks to be coming out of his sophomore slump. Nacer Chadli got a start over the weekend for Tottenham. Romelu Lukaku and others are on clubs fighting for a spot in the top four. The competition level is a bonus for Belgium.

4. Belgium has Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard 2
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4. Belgium has Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard
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Eden Hazard has been a force for table-leading Chelsea. Some members of the Belgian press have said Hazard's meteoric rise may allow him into the same conversation as legend Enzo Schifo. Hazard will dribble at anyone with pace and could cause problems for any opponent in Brazil.

3. They Have Solid Defenders

Jan Vertonghen
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3. They Have Solid Defenders

Jan Vertonghen
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The back four of Belgium should be full of experience and leadership. Vincent Kompany will likely wear the captain's arm band. Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen and Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen will help to anchor the defense. Anderlecht's Anthony Vanden Borre has gotten Champions League experience and veteran Daniel Van Buyten will be on the squad to provide depth.

2. There is a Healthy Competition at Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois
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2. There is a Healthy Competition at Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois
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The recent form of Simon Mignolet with Liverpool has put pressure on Thibaut Courtois. The Atletico Madrid keeper also seems to be pushed by what he says is disrespect from Mignolet. However, no outlet has published ill words from Mignolet, so both netminders keep pushing with their play. Courtois has the added benefit of Champions League play this year while Mignolet has had to clean up more defensive errors than any other keeper in the EPL.

1. They Have an Easy Group

World Cup Group H
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1. They Have an Easy Group

World Cup Group H
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Belgium is the clear favorite in Group H and the first task is always to get out of the group. The Round of 16 matchup could be difficult as they would play the second place team of Group G: Germany, Portugal, USMNT or Ghana. However, a good group stage would build confidence in an inexperienced roster and anything can happen in the World Cup.

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