The Red Devils will fancy their chances in Group G among the likes of England, Panama, and Tunisia. They are undoubtedly favorites to top the group but with football's unpredictability always lurking around, their best performances will be required.
Coach's Objective
The football hemisphere was thrown into a frenzy when news of Radja Nainggolan's omission surfaced. The 30-year-old midfielder enjoyed a stellar season for AS Roma and was subsequently adjudged their best player of the season for his contributions to the side enjoying a third-place finish in Serie A and reaching the UEFA Champions League semis.
Nevertheless, according to Belgium's head coach Roberto Martinez, the decision to leave the midfielder out was purely a tactical call as contrary to suggestions that a bad air exists between the pair.
"Radja is a top player," Martinez told a news conference, acknowledging Nainggolan's prowess.
"I don't think Radja is a player to be used in a small role.
"The reason that Radja's not in the squad is purely a tactical decision," he added.
With regards to the said tactics, Belgium is expected to sail through Group G with very little trouble and so be able to make it past the quarter-final stage considering their squad depth. Anything short of that will be dubbed as an underachievement.
New Faces
Goalkeeper Koen Casteels could make his official debuts for the Belgium national team at the World Cup having been selected among the final 23-man squad.
Veterans
Vicent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, and Moussa Dembele form part of the side's most experienced group. Marouane Fellaini and Axel Witsel have also been named in the preliminary squad list.
Absentee
The most notable omission is, of course, Radja Nainggolan. The AS Roma midfielder announced his retirement right after the list was publicised. Christian Kabasele, Christian Benteke and Jordan Lukaku were also left out.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Dedryck Boyata, Leander Dendoncker, Vincent Kompany, Thomas Meunier, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco, Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Mousa Dembélé, Marouane Fellaini, Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel
Forwards: Michy Batshuayi, Romelu Lukaku.
