Belgium is clearly the side that boasts the best personnel in Group H in the 2014 World Cup, but at times they have played like they believe they can coast to victory on the back of that talent.
For long stretches of both the first group game against Algeria, and today against Russia, the Red Devils have seemed almost asleep at the wheel, going long stretches without any discernible intent. However, the star-studded side also proved in both games that they have the mental strength to dig down deep and pull out wins, which may portend a deep run in this tournament.
After shockingly going into the half trailing 1-0 against the Fennecs, Belgium looked exactly like an overhyped team ripe for the upset. But after clawing back to a 2-1 win, the squad showed the ability to do what it takes to win.
Similarly in the match against Russia, one in which both sides looked devoid of producing any magic, Belgium pulled out another win when substitute Divock Origi slotted home one minute from time.
The fact the teenager was on the pitch also showed one of coach Marc Wilmots’ strengths: he is not afraid to mix things up in order to achieve victory. Wilmots pulled star striker Romelu Lukaku off early in the second half and put on Origi; many coaches would have been hesitant to put on an untested 19-year-old in a crucial World Cup game. Bearing in mind that the Red Devils haven’t qualified for the competition since 2002. Nevertheless, Wilmots is not afraid to shake up his lineup and reward the hot hand. He gave Dries Mertens a start after he came off the bench in the Algeria game. Mertens repaid Wilmots faith, terrorising the Russian defense in the first half.
Right now, Belgium are in control of Group H and all they need to top the group is a draw in the final group stage match against rudderless South Korea, who look like they’ve already got their bags packed for home.
What we are sure of though is that this side can grind out wins against resilient opposition, just like champions do. This side is not all pretty football, they can do the dirty stuff too in order to achieve the win. We’ve seen sides who set out to entertain such as the Brazil side of 1982 but when it came to grinding out victories against organised opposition they fell apart and failed to show their mettle. This side though can do both.
