For a few minutes though, cast your eyes away, to a country who has missed out on qualifying for this event, but who has some of the finest footballers' about right now.
Yes. Belgium. Rode Duivels [Red Devils].
The country is ruled by King Albert II, with Elio di Rupo their Prime Minister. With a population of approx 10.5million and divided by language, French-speaking, the others Flemish speaking...it is said that the national football side is probably the only uniting factor.
So what's there to say about this group of footballers?
How's about we start by mentioning a few of their past masters and relive some of what went down late 80's early 90's.
Michel Preud'homme
The first winner of the Yashin award for best goalkeeper at a FIFA World Cup. Widely regarded as the best of his generation. This Belgian shot-stopper was sheer class.Enzo Scifo
The creative midfielder of note. Nicknamed little Pele for his dazzling ability in midfield, he has represented his country at four FIFA World Cup tournaments, only 2 fellow countrymen have done so.
We could also mention the likes of Luc Nilis, Danny Boffin and [current national coach] Marc Wilmots as we reflect on previous talent.
We are United...well the RED DEVILS, that is
Moving on then and focusing on [some of] the rich array of talent currently pulling on the Red of Belgium.
In the goalkeeping department we have Simon Mignolet, current Sunderland no.1, doing so well that The Black Cats have seen it fit to release previous first choice Craig Gordon, who cost them £9m in 2007.
Thibaut Courtois, on loan at Atletico Madrid [from Chelsea FC], this kid has just won the Europa League with the Madrid side at the tender age of 20.
In defense, Toby Alderweireld, just turned 23 and already highly spoken of central defender currently at Ajax Amsterdam. He and another bright young Belgian, Jan Vertonghen [who Spurs and Arsenal are vying for] play at the heart of the Dutch-side's defense. With Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, also in the mix, Toby has been shifted to RB, where he will more than likely stay.
Approach with caution...
I could write an entire piece on Steven Defour. I think he's the only player SAF sent a 'get well' card to, after he picked up a serious injury. Widespread reports of us being on the verge of signing him, came to nought, when he shipped off to FC Porto. Quite strange, considering his ability in midfield and the fact he was sold to FCP for just €6m.
We now have Eden Hazard playing silly buggers with the two Manchester clubs and maybe Chelsea too. He's class. Ligue 1 Player of the Season for consecutive seasons, i definitely can understand what the hype is about. Then there's the two big-haired gents. Witsel and Fellaini. The one's a tricky winger, the other a lanky, yet strong box-to-box midfielder. The last in this section is Moussa Dembele. Initially he came to Craven Cottage as a deep-lying striker, but with the arrival of Pogrebnyak, he has dropped into midfield as a ball carrier and pass-master...and the transition has been superb. Such is the talent of this guy. I'd actually like MUFC to sign him and/or Fellaini.
Uptop we have the player initially dubbed 'the next Drogba' [simulation sold separately] Romelu Lukaku. A beast of a frontman with not only brutish-strength, but also neat skill and an eye for goal. The other forward I'd like to mention is Kevin Mirallas. The lad has hit a purple patch at Olympiacos and is now said to be on the radar of both Stoke and Newcastle.
So how does Belgium continue to produce these talented footballers? Firstly, the Belgian league is one of the oldest in 'the business' with their league being established as far back as 1896. Secondly, their is quite a bit of funds and resources put toward development of future talent, which seems to be paying dividends.
Next time you think Belgium. Forget the chocolates and waffles and think Football. Football that unites a nation. A nation that is continuously developing quality contributors to this The Beautiful Game.
I have them down as a [potential] force for Brasil 2014.
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On the evidence given above, do you think Belgium have the personnel to step up from being a 2nd tier side to being serious title contenders at the FIFA World Cup 2014?
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