From a mediocre European side, the Red Devils in a span of 12 years have transformed into potential challengers for the World Cup title. The journey was not as simple and straightforward as it sounds, but the effort put has finally paid off and Belgium fans can now proudly acclaim having one of the most talented rosters in the tournament.
Belgium’s reemergence on the international stage is down to a number of factors but one man in particular, Michel Sablon, Belgium's former technical director can take credit for many good things which have happened recently.
"I had a plan to change the way we did everything,” Sablon told BBC.
Sablon was part of the coaching staff which guided Belgium to their best ever World Cup campaign when they lost to eventual winners Argentina in the semi-final back in 1986. They made reasonable progress in the 2002 edition of the tournament when they made it to the Round of 16. This was a significant improvement over their debacle, when in 2000 as co-hosts of Euro 2000 Belgium were knocked out only in the first round.
"The people of Belgium were beginning to question the team," Sablon said.
"After Euro 2000, there was a feeling of embarrassment, the relationship was not good."
Sablon soon devised a plan which would change Belgium football for the better. This began with a trip to some of the best training institutes in France, Germany and Holland. Sablon made a list of the best practices and encouraged youth teams in Belgium to adopt a prescribed system. Teams were in particular prompted to opt for a fluid 4-3-3 formation, one which was also used by the national team.
"It wasn't easy to go to people and tell them to stop doing what they'd done for years," added Sablon.
But his job was not over as yet, Sablon was adamant that Belgium football reach new heights and took every measure to make it possible. One of the biggest steps he took was to make youth football less result oriented and more focused on development.
"Results went out of the window," Sablon said. "The objective of the youth teams was no longer to win games, it was to develop players. It was not easy, I was personally attacked in the press and by people in the Belgium federation."
The hard work soon paid dividends and in 2009, three years after the system was adopted, Belgium’s youth teams started delivering better performances.
"We found that our teams, even though it wasn't our target to be there, went from being ranked in the 20s to the top 10 in the 17s and the under-19s," Sablon added.
"You want to know why? It was simply down to the development plan - we were making players better. The objective was not to move up the rankings but the result of having a better system meant that we did anyway."
The most talented young players from every youth team were given further attention and were brought together to train at eight centralized, government-funded training schools. Some of the Belgium national team star players produced through this system include the likes of Napoli star Dries Mertens, midfielder Axel Witsel who plays his trade at Zenit St Petersburg, Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele and Liverpool number one Simon Mignolet.
From then onwards Belgian football has improved in leaps and bounds. Six years back Vincent Kompany along with West Brom defender Carl Hoefkens were the only two Belgians in the Premier League. Today there are a host of players part of the Red Devils’ squad, who have established themselves as important first team members in some of the biggest English and Spanish clubs in the world.
Thibaut Courtois performances last season guided Atletico Madrid to a historic La Liga title, his exceptional form in between the posts also inspired Los Colchoneros to surge their way to the final of last season’s Champions League.
In defence Belgium have the reliable presence of Vincent Kompany who is likely to be accompanied at the heart of the defence by either of Daniel Van Buyten, Thomas Vermaelen or Jan Vertonghen all of whom are experienced as well as consistent players.
Belgium’s midfield is stocked with hard working box to box midfielders all of whom have made a name for themselves at their respective clubs. Marouane Fellaini has had a disappointing debut season for Manchester United but would be looking to rekindle himself by producing better performances in the World Cup, something he is more than capable of. Moussa Dembélé and Axel Witsel on the other hand are both very elegant players and will be looking to showcase their immense talents at the biggest arena.
It is however Belgium’s attack which will be grabbing all the attention. In Eden Hazard, the Red Devils have one of Europe’s hottest properties. The Chelsea youngster is widely regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world of football, his recent performances are reminiscent of how valuable he is to his national team. He will be accompanied by the likes of Adnan Januzaj and Dries Mertens both of whom have enjoyed productive seasons with their respective clubs, whereas Romelu Lukaku who registered 15 goals in the Premier League last season is expected to lead the line..jpg?q=75&w=634)
On paper Belgium definitely have one of the strongest squads in the World Cup. They have been handed a relatively easy group and are expected to qualify to the next round with flying colors. However it still remains to be seen whether they will be able to rub shoulders with the heavyweights in the tournament.
