World Cup 2018: Belgium
Before the 2018 World Cup starts in Moscow next 14 June, Brussels Express presents all EU national teams involved in the competition. Last chapter: Belgium.
“Come on Belgium, come on Belgium!”. Please be used to hearing this motto, because you’ll surely hear it many many times over the upcoming days and weeks. Although Belgium was a very attractive team in 2014 and 2016, the Red Devils haven’t achieved the performance the fans expected.
If you only have a look at the individual players (De Bruyne, Hazard, Courtois etc.), Belgium is surely one of the best teams of the World. But the Golden generation still needs to confirm its high high-level collective level.
The qualifying rounds were really successful, as the Red Devils won 9 games out of 10 and were never defeated. If they have no accident, the first round should be fine. It will then be up to the Courtois’ mates to go further in the competition.
Key player: Kevin De Bruyne
Picking up a Belgian star always offers you two options: Eden Hazard or Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne’s season in Manchester City has been very successful. He is definitely one of the key players of the Guardiola’s system and was part of the 2017/2018 Premier League team of the season. He was also the English top flight’s assist king (16), as well as he scored 8 times.
He now should confirm his status with the National team, by leading the Red devils to the top level of the World. Let’s then observe what the Dutch player will be able to do in the upcoming games.
Calendar
- 18 June – Belgium vs. Panama.
- 23 June – Belgium vs. Tunisia.
- 27 June – England vs. Belgium.
Places to watch the games in Brussels:
Everywhere in Brussels. Although there will be no screening in the public areas in Brussels and Ixelles, you can watch the games in almost all the bars equipped with a TV. The Edmond Machtens stadium (Molenbeek) will also display the games.
