Quarterfinalists at Brazil 2014 and third at Russia 2018, Belgium are aiming to go even further at Qatar 2022.
One of the strongest sides in international football, the Red Devils topped the Fifa/Coca-Cola World Ranking for over three years (from October 2018 to the end of 2021) before being replaced by Brazil at the start of this year.
Belgium’s recent form has been a little patchy. Their four Uefa Nation League matches in June yielded a 4-1 loss to Netherlands, 6-1 and 1-0 wins over Poland and a 1-1 draw in Wales. With several of his main men missing from those matches, coach Roberto Martinez at least had the chance to bring some new faces and fringe players into the side and see what they could do. Here are five players who are likely to prove crucial the hopes of this star-studded Belgium side at Qatar 2022.
THIBAUT COURTOIS
Position: Goalkeeper Age : 30
The Belgium keeper is at the peak of his powers. In helping Real Madrid lift the Uefa Champions League trophy at the end of last season, he and teammate Eden Hazard joined a select band of Belgians to have won Europe’s most prestigious club competition, following in the footsteps of Eric Gerets, Daniel Van Buyten, Thomas Vermaelen, Divock Origi and Simon Mignolet.
Thibaut Courtois | Golden Glove Award | 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia
The Golden Glove Award is awarded to the best goalkeeper of the tournament. The award was introduced with the name Lev Yashin Award in 1994 and renamed in 2010.
Courtois was in outstanding form for Los Merengues last season and has seen off all other contenders for the Belgium No 1 jersey. The former Chelsea man was badly missed in Belgium’s four Nations League matches in June, in which they shipped six goals. The winner of the adidas Golden Glove at Russia 2018, he is now his country’s most capped keeper of all time, having racked up 108 appearances, and is one of the first names on the Red Devils teamsheet.
JAN VERTONGHEN
Position: Centre-back Age: 35
Fifteen years a Belgium international, Vertonghen has a national-record 139 caps to his name. Though well into his 30s, he is the cornerstone of the Red Devils rearguard and as committed and motivated as ever. Now playing his club football in Benfica, the Belgium vice-captain believes he is back to his best physically and mentally.
That is just as well, as coach Martinez will need Vertonghen’s experience at Qatar 2022 and quite possibly beyond. “I don’t know if I can keep playing until I’m 40, but I’m going to continue for as long as I feel up to it,” said the centre-back, who clearly still has much to offer.
AXEL WITSEL
Position: Midfielder Age: 33
The indefatigable midfielder left Borussia Dortmund this summer for Atletico Madrid, where he will be a central part of Diego Simeone’s plans. A key performer at every club he has played for, Witsel is another of the Red Devils’ mainstays.
Valued by Martinez for his versatility, his understanding with Youri Tielemans, and his technique and ball-winning skills, the metronomic Witsel is his country’s second-most-capped player of all time, with 124 appearances under his belt.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Position: Midfielder Age: 31
What is there left to say about KDB? In princely form for Manchester City once again last season, De Bruyne struck a personal best 15 Premier League goals as he collected a fourth English Premier League winners’ medal with the club. The Belgian wizard was an obvious choice for one of the midfield positions in the league’s Team of the Year.
With 91 caps to his name, De Bruyne is one of Belgium’s most experienced players and utterly indispensable with it. Along with Hazard, he is also one of the team’s true crowd-pleasers. De Bruyne has not finished yet either, as he told the newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws: “I’ll keep playing for the Red Devils until at least EURO 2024.” That is music to the Belgian ears, as the nation continues its quest for World Cup glory.
ROMELU LUKAKU
Position: Striker Age: 29
The powerful front man had a mixed season for Chelsea, starting only 17 games and spending a lot of time on the bench. With Qatar 2022 just around the corner, he has since made the move to Inter Milan, where the fans have welcomed him with open arms.
Romelu Lukaku | Bronze Boot Award | 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia™
The adidas Golden Boot was first awarded to the top goalscorer of the tournament in 1982 under the name Golden Shoe. It was renamed Golden Boot in 2010. Runners-up are awarded the adidas Silver Boot and adidas Bronze Boot awards respectively.
Lukaku is also a firm favourite with Red Devils supporters. The country’s leading all-time scorer with 68 goals in 102 appearances, he is only the sixth Belgium player to have collected a century of caps, after Vertonghen, Witsel, Toby Alderweireld, Hazard and Dries Mertens.
Should Lukaku, Hazard and De Bruyne fire in Qatar, the Belgian attack will be a force to be reckoned with.