Belgium predictions, squad details, manager and tournament odds for the World Cup 2022, brought to you by the Ranks FC team.
Since 2014, Belgium have been hoping and praying that a Golden Generation can lead them to tournament success. So far, no dice.
This might be said Golden Generation’s last chance to win a trophy, and there’s fair concern that the next generation aren’t anywhere near as good. That’s caused anxiety and pessimism in a nation that still cheer on a team with a handful of elite players, and that ranks extremely highly in FIFA’s world rankings.
Who is the Belgium manager?
It’s…a bit of a strange dichotomy. Attempting to make sense of all of this—inspire the fans and guide the players—is Roberto Martinez, who has a pretty decent track record in major tournaments.
In 2018 Belgium lost an extremely even game to eventual winners France at the semi-final stage, then at Euro 2020 they lost a pretty even game to eventual winners Italy in the quarters.
What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?
Over the last half decade Martinez has crafted a reputation as one of the few managers who encourage possession-based football on the international stage—but even he has had to adapt to his changing cast.
This Belgium team simply have to place more of an emphasis on being structurally solid now—but at least still give the front 3 license to roam.
Who are the players to watch for Belgium?
In defence they’re still leaning on Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, who are in their mid 30s and have returned to Belgium. In midfield they’re still leaning on Axel Witsel, who actually plays more centre-back than as a No. 6 for Atletico.
And up top Eden Hazard is still a go-to player if fit—although that’s a big, big if nowadays. This Belgium team simply has not refreshed over the years; it’s likely you’ll see 8 or 9 starters in Qatar that were starting back in 2016.
Fortunately for Martinez, some of those ever-presents are better than ever. Thibaut Courtois is one, but Kevin De Bruyne (best priced 16/1 to win the Golden Ball) is naturally the man looked to in every game.
Expect total tactical freedom to be given to him as he drifts, roams and picks his spots, and he’ll try to win games either by sheer creativity—or by sheer force of will.
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Who is favourite to be top scorer for Belgium?
When he’s not shooting he’ll be feeding Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s first-choice No. 9. He top-scored in UEFA qualifying group E and is the focal point of the attack, who enjoys the responsibility of rolling and roughing up markers en route to goal. He is a best price of 26/1 to win the Golden Boot
Lukaku’s prowess running into space is actually a reason in favour of Belgium tweaking their overall approach to be more solid and reactive, because when he and De Bruyne start surging, there’s no stopping them.
How did Belgium qualify for the World Cup?
Those goals Lukaku scored in qualifying helped the Red Devils to a stress-free campaign to get to Qatar: Unbeaten, with a whopping +19 goal difference.
Usually that’s cause for celebration, but many locals are concerned that qualifying was simply too easy, and this ageing squad needed firmer tests to ascertain exactly where they stand.
What are the ambitions for this Belgium team?
Belgium were drawn into an eclectic group for the tournament containing Canada, Morocco and Croatia. Not one of these sides counts as an absolute heavyweight so De Bruyne and co will be expected to top proceedings, but there are definitely banana skins here.
It seems likely one of Spain or Germany await in any potential Round of 16 clash, and that feels like a bridge too far for this squad. I guess we’re sharing the nation’s general pessimism and saying even reaching a quarter-final would be a huge achievement.
Belgium World Cup Odds
If you fancy them to go the whole way and lift the Jules Rimet trophy, you can find them at best price of 17/1.
