Group H of the World Cup Finals is viewed as one of the least interesting of the matchup. With no real contender, many view this group as a cakewalk for the two European sides. Belgium is expected to win the group as the team heads into Brazil as a dark horse. The young team is filled with talent and could surprise teams with its youthful enthusiasm.
But can Belgium pull off a miracle run? Or will they have to wait another four years to blossom into contenders?
History
Belgium has had a decent history at the tournament. The team competed in the first three tournaments, but failed to win a single match in any of them; in fact, the team lost all four games that it played between 1930 and 1938. The nation withdrew from the 1950 tournament but played in Switzerland in 1954. The team lost one and drew one and finished 12th in the tournament.
After missing the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1966, the team competed in 1970 and managed to obtain its first win. However, the team finished 10th and failed to get out of the group stage. After missing the next two tournaments, Belgium actually got to the second round in 1982 fueled by two wins, one draw and two losses; the team finished 10th in the tournament.
Belgium's best showing in the World Cup came in 1986 when the team finished fourth with two wins, two draws and three losses. Belgium then managed to get to the round of 16 in 1990 and 1994 before falling apart in the group stage in 1998 with three draws. In 2002, the team also got to the round of 16. After that tournament, Belgium failed to qualify for the 2006 competition in Germany and South Africa's 2010 World Cup.
How they got here
Belgium finished atop Group A of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers with eight wins and two draws; the team only conceded four goals in 10 matches. Kevin De Bruyne led the team with four goals.
Main stars
The team is filled with a plethora of top players but the best of them all is undoubtedly Chelsea's Eden Hazard. Hazard has been heroic for his club team and will likely be the leader of Belgium's offense in the tournament.
The team also has Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini leading the way; however, one must question whether Fellaini will even play in this tournament due to his injuries and poor play for Manchester United.
Can they get out of the group stage?
Without a doubt. In fact, Belgium should win this group without major problems. Algeria and South Korea should not pose problems; Russia may pose the biggest challenge, but Belgium is the superior side and should at least pick up a draw in this game.
Can they win this tournament?
Considering European sides have only won the competition away from their home continent once in the history of the World Cup (Spain in South Africa in 2010), it is unlikely that they repeat the feat in a second straight tournament. And if they do, it will probably be Germany, Spain or Italy. Belgium could be a legitimate World Cup contender, but it might be too early for the team. Expect Belgium to seriously contend in 2018.
If Belgium gets out of the group in first place, it will likely face Portugal in the next round. And if they get past that matchup, then it is likely that Argentina awaits; does anyone really fancy Belgium over Argentina in South America?
Expect Belgium to go no further than the round of 16 yet again.
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