Belgians emerge from the shadows
Belgian chocolate is under threat. For long, the dark delicacy has enjoyed the numero uno status when it comes to Belgian products. But it may soon have to clear out the cherished spot, albeit in people’s memory than their refrigerators. The small European country now have a new range of “products” to be proud of.
A new crop of talented, skillful and ambitious football players.
With many European countries in economic downturn, the world may be watching the events unfolding at Brussels — the de facto capital of the common currency Union.
But Belgians are looking elsewhere. They are watching their footballers take over the big leagues in club competitions and march ahead in the World Cup qualifiers during the international break. In Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini, Axel Witsel, Mousa Dembélé, Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Vermaleon they see a bright future in the Beautiful Game.
For long, Belgium have played the role of underdogs in European football. But now they are the dark horses. In club competitions, Belgians have become key figures, some even irreplaceable for certain sides. And on international circuit, they seem to be holding the key. In six qualifiers held so far, Belgium have won five, lost none and accrued 16 points to sit atop the Group A table with a goal difference of 10. Only the Netherlands and Germany have bettered that in Europe.
For many pundits, Belgium are a sure shot to book their tickets for Rio de Janeiro. Whether they would achieve it directly by beating Croatia for the group leaders’ spot or through a potentially tricky play-offs remains to be seen.
But the real question is, how far can they go? Do the current generation of players have it in them to match the heights of 1986, when Belgium made the semis in World Cup? Or can they surpass that mark?
It’s too early to say what Belgium will eventually achieve. After all, they are yet to ensure their passage to the Finals. But they seem to have caught the wind in their sail. Belgium look destined to achieve something memorable.
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