Belgium captain Vincent Kompany has praised the team spirit within the Belgium camp, heading into the World Cup finals in Brazil this summer.
It is Belgium’s first major tournement, and a first World Cup finals since the 2002 competition in Japan and South Korea.
Ten years ago, the small nation famed for its chocolate, were placed 45th in the World rankings, though now, they sit quietly as one of the outside favourites in this summer’s show-piece.
There now seems to be a golden generation in the flatlands, with many players in the squad plying their trade in the Barclays Premier League.
In-fact, nine out of their possible starting 11 in their first fixture against Algeria, could be Premier League based.
Aside from Kompany, who will captain the squad in Brazil, the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Moussa Dembele, Eden Hazard, Kevin Miralles, Jan Vertonghan, Simon Mignolet are all part of the squad, along with Goalkeeper Thilbalt Courtois, who will return to Chelsea after a third season on loan at Atletico Madrid, where he helped the side win the La Liga title, and reach a European Cup final.
“There are many countries who can only dream of this kind of brotherhood,” Kompany told The Guardian.
It is that togetherness and idea of each others game, which has seved them catch the eye of the footballing landscape, that Kompany believes is the key to their current success.
“We all grew up together through the ranks and we are really good friends.
“I get on with anyone in my team and I am really happy when I play with them.”
Belgium’s squad is made up of a diverse nature, with several players in that squad of African origin.
Kompany is half Congolese, and countinued to the Guardian by speaking proudly of his African roots.
“I am 100% Congolese and 100% Belgian,” he says. “I am very proud of it. I represent Belgium in football and I represent Congo in so many different ways whenever I can. I don’t ever feel like justifying it. I am really happy to be both.”
It remains to been seen what Belgium can achieve this summer, however the future certainly does look bright.
Marc Wilmots side are in Group H, and are to play Algeria, Russia and South Korea in the group stage.
Belgium’s best ever finish at a World Cup was fourth in 1986, can they go even further this time round?
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
