World Cup 2018: 5 reasons why this could be Belgium's tournament

#5 Their defence is shoring up

Vincent Kompany (left) is the Belgium captain

Time and again, Belgium's frailties at the back have been exposed. Most experts believe that the back-line will prove to be their undoing this time around as well. Most notably, Vincent Kompany, the centre-back and charismatic captain, is struggling with injuries and may not be fit at the start of the cup. Even Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen and Thomas Meunier have all struggled with injuries in the just-completed season.

Despite these setbacks, Belgium has stopped the goals from leaking with only one conceded in the last five friendlies. A hard-fought nil-nil draw against Portugal could be considered a happy outing because they did not let in a goal. If Kompany is absent, Jan Vertonghen will have to shoulder the major responsibility.

In Thibaut Courtois, they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world and if he has a good tournament Belgium can well see them qualify for the final stages.

The Red Devils have been put in a relatively easier group with only England providing the major threat. If they top the group they should expect an easy passage to the quarters. There the opponents might be Brazil and from that point onwards the real test will begin.

This time though, they might have what is takes to go beyond the last-eight stage and upset the apple-carts of the pre-tournament favourites.

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