Can Belgium win the World Cup?

Probably not. But they're there. So they have got as much chance as anybody, and with the squad that they possess, they do have a fantastic chance. I do however have two concerns: they aren't ready, and the defence. I'll explain these further.

Firstly, it's their first major tournament for 12 years. Can they feasibly challenge for the trophy even though they've been off of the tournament scene for so long? I don't think they can. They've got an incredibly talented squad, there's no doubting that, but an incredibly young one at that. Daniel van Buyten and Timmy Simons were the only two men above 30 in the last Belgium squad, and they're on their last legs at 35 and 36 years of age respectively. For me, they don't have that blend of youth and experience. You could argue that players like Vincent Kompany and Eden Hazard have experience at the top level, but not on the international stage, that's my doubt. 

Secondly, the defence for me is their weak point. I know they have players like Kompany, Vertonghen and Vermaelen, but it's the only position for me that they don't have sufficient strength in depth. They have the choice of two incredible goalkeepers in Mignolet and Courtois who they can rotate to their heart's content. But not in defence. Kompany, Vermaelen, van Buyten and Vertonghen is probably their strongest back four, whilst Alderweireld and Lombaerts make for decent backups. However, I have two more problems here. One: injury prone. Kompany and Vermaelen in particular have been known to pick up an injury, and that worries me because of their lack of strength in depth. Two: not enough game time. van Buyten, Vermaelen and Alderweireld in particular are currently finding themselves out of the first team picture for their respective clubs, which can surely only hinder their chances of even making the squad, and permitting that they do board the plane to Brazil, hinder Belgium's chances of mounting a serious challenge.

They do however have an exceptional midfield and strike force that will have to play to the best of their ability. 'The Afro Brothers' - Marouane Felliani and Axel Witsel - in the centre of midfield allow for players such as Hazard, Chadli, Mertens and de Bruyne to supply the ammunition for Lukaku and Benteke who will surely be vying with one another for that starting berth. And I've not even mentioned Mousa Dembele. Or Kevin Mirallas. Bring on Brazil.