2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil - World Cup Dark Horses: Belgium lyrics

I kick off this series with a team that has taken the world by storm for the last two years - Belgium. They are experiencing one of the most meteoric rises of any football team in recent memory and they'll definitely be a team to keep an eye on at next year's World Cup. History Belgium have taken part in 11 World Cup final tournaments with their best showing being at Mexico 1986, when they reached the semi-finals before succumbing to Argentina. Strengths When you think Belgium, first thing popping into your head is the mind bogging talent at their disposal. If you actually go ahead and watch them, you then realize this isn't only a team of fantastic players but also a great threat collectively. They're blessed with great technical ability (similar to Spain), decent amount of pace and sk** (similar to Brazil) and amazing physical strength (similar to England). Also important to note this is a generation of hungry young players, eagerly waiting to impress on the biggest stage of all - The World Cup. Statistics They qualified for the World Cup unbeaten, drawing twice and racking up a total of 26 points; 9 more than the second placed team, Croatia. Chelsea's Kevin De Bruyne was their highest goal scorer in the qualifiers with 4 goals. Weakness Like so many good things in life, their youthful exuberance comes with a curse - naivety. Its a common argument that such a young team might falter when put against older more mature teams and I agree. If there's anything that might hinder their progress at the World Cup next year, its probably going to be their inexperience at such a high level competition. Star Player Eden Hazard Arguably the star in a star-studded line up, Eden is definitely Belgium's focal point. His trickery and magic on the left wing would be key to unlocking stubborn defenses. Turning 23 early next year, he has already won a whole lot of individual accolades and will be looking to win the World Cup for his team next summer. Prediction Its imperative they top their group and I think they will. The key for them though is to avoid Germany in the round of 16. If that's the case, they'll probably meet Portugal instead and stand a better chance of making the quarters. With that said, the Quarters might be a step too far for such a young side and that's probably where their journey will end.