ForzaItalianFootball.com spoke to sports writer Joost Houtman, author of the book Zo Werden Wereldkampioen (How to become World champions) to give us some insight about how the Belgian public rate the side travelling to Brazil.
The Diables Rouges have one of the most promising sides in world football, and since they booked their place amongst the 32 sides going to Brazil they have been tipped to be the tournament’s dark horses.
Forza Italian Football: How far do you think Belgium will go in this World Cup
Joost Houtman: In my book I write a scenario in which the national team reaches the final and wins the World Cup, but in all honesty that’ll be really difficult. We definitely have talent but we have zero experience on the world stage.
Luck was on our side though in the group stage draw though, I’d say we have a good group. Personally, I think if we keep the faith we can go a very long way in Brazil; I see no reason why we won’t be able to beat Portugal or Germany in the Round of 16, that’s if they’re having a bad day.
FIF: What do the Belgian public expect of the national team in Brazil 2014?
Joost Houtman: Hopes are very high, but if we don’t make it to the Round of 16 everyone would be very disappointed; that would just be a shame.
FIF: Who do the Belgians think will be their messiah or star man at this year’s World Cup?
Joost Houtman: It’s no surprise that we rate Kompany very highly because he’s the leader of the side. However, much is expected of Romelu Lukaku and if he keeps on scoring the way he is, he could be our hero. On a personal level though, I think Dries Mertens will be our main man in this World Cup.
FIF: No Eden Hazard?
Joost Houtman: Eden Hazard is from a different planet, but sometimes it appears that he’s on a different planet. On many occasions he loses his focus and is too laid back. Belgians like players who are ‘workers’ or ‘fighters’, and even Wilmots said on Thursday that Hazard is not sure of a starting spot. If Wilmots can make him work more though, then he can be a pivotal member to the Belgian national team. In the end, it’s all up to him.
FIF: Were the the Belgians surprised that the national team strolled through qualification against the likes of Croatia?
Joost Houtman: There were high hopes of qualifying, but of course there was still anxiety until the penultimate game. It’s only after qualifying that it seemed easy. However, kudos to the staff and players who gave in their all, and in the end luck was on our side too.
FIF: With Marc Wilmots at the helm, did the national team gain more media support as opposed to previous sides.
Joost Houtman: There were gigantic advertising campaigns that supported the team and Wilmots. It was literally impossible not to root for the national team during qualification.
FIF: Would you say this is the golden generation of Belgian football?
Joost Houtman: In terms of personnel and talent, then no doubt about it. However, the 1986 side [which reached the semi-finals] worked better as a team, despite being less talented.
