Belgium released its 24-man squad for World Cup 2014 today. The squad will be reduced to 23 before June 2. Depending on the fitness of goalkeeper Koen Casteels, one player will drop out of the final squad to meet FIFA’s 23-man squad requirement.
There weren’t many major surprises in the side other than the snub to Thorgan Hazard, who many experts rate as a better footballer than Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj, who was included in the squad. Januzaj caught the eye early this Premier League season but faded as time went on.
The injury to Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke has limited manager Marc Wilmot’s attacking options, so Belgium is almost certain to continue lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and will be depending on the talented midfield to generate goal scoring opportunities.
On paper, this is one of the best squads in the tournament but Belgium has not qualified for a major tournament in over a decade and the lack of international experience could hamper this side potentially.
Full squad below:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Silvio Proto
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Anthony Vanden Borre, Laurent Ciman, Vincent Kompany, Daniel van Buyten, Thomas Vermaelen, Nicolas Lombaerts, Jan Vertonghen
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Steven Defour, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembélé, Nacer Chadli, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Kevin Mirallas, Adnan Januzaj
Attackers: Romelu Lukaku, Divock Origi.
Standby list: Michy Batshuayi, Guillaume Gillet, Thorgan Hazard, Radja Nainggolan, Sébastien Pocognoli and Jelle van Damme.
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Jon
May 14, 2014 at 2:10 pm
If they only had Benteke too. Daaaaaaamn
Jake
May 13, 2014 at 1:25 pm
I think the Real question should be why is Fellaini in the squad he’s been horrendous?
Chadli has looked poor most of the times I’ve seen him.
Pakapala
May 13, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Really a good but inexperienced squad on paper. Might be an outsider, but I wouldn’t be suprised if they flop come’ next month.
Jake
May 13, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Their team is more of a 2018 squad IMO.
Pakapala
May 13, 2014 at 4:51 pm
I agree. They might be more suited for the 2016 Euro as well.
Jake
May 13, 2014 at 1:21 pm
He never really faded considering he was left out do to burn out. Sterling was played to much last season and didn’t too well near the end. Moyes managed him well in that he didn’t play as much after the Sunderland COC games. He’s just turned 19 and have you seen him play now that he’s gotten some rest?
He’s played a lot of better opponents than Thorgan and plays in a much tougher league.
Not everyone gets to play Anderlechte, Club Brugge and teams of that ilk.
The prem is a very physical league and for a youngster if you don’t have the make up of a Rooney or a Ronaldo it takes a year to adapt to if not 2 full years.
I have yet to see Thorgan play but if he wasn’t lighting up the Belgian league I’d say that’s a big problem. No disrespect to the league at all but that’s what you’d expect from a top young player.