Belo Horizonte: Belgium’s vibrant young team are preparing to launch their World Cup campaign against Algeria on Tuesday with competition hotting up on the training pitch ahead of the Group H clash.
Seen as dark horses to lift the trophy, the richly talented squad is blessed with players such as Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, powerful striker Romelu Lukaku and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany.
Belgium have not appeared at a major international championships since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea but they impressed in qualifying and will fancy their chances of matching their semi-final showing in Mexico in 1986.
The sole survivor from their 2002 campaign is veteran defender Daniel van Buyten, who said there were some feisty tackles flying in during the team’s training sessions in the build-up to their match in Belo Horizonte.
“We usually train lightly before important matches so players hit their peak at the right time,” said the Bayern Munich player. “But the duels on the training pitch have become more full-blooded.
“Every player should be ready. There are only 11 starting places and everybody wants to be in the line-up but the substitutes must be ready at any moment to make the difference.”
Coach Marc Wilmots can also call on young Manchester United sensation Adnan Januzaj and his club team mate Marouane Fellaini as well as Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, outstanding while on loan at Atletico Madrid last season. Lukaku, who only returned to training on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in a bruising friendly with Tunisia, will spearhead an attack missing injured Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke.
Belgium are expected to qualify for the knockout rounds with ease but Man City captain Kompany urged caution over their chances of unseating football’s superpowers.
