FIFA World Cup 2014: Belgium re-affirms its promise with youthful exuberance

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Our City of Joy might outnumber the population of this small federal monarchy in Western Europe. The country has only 11 million people, but a grand vision and committed leadership have allowed Belgium to dream of a glorious future, perhaps greatness too. The young team promises to bring the world to their feet, spinning a memorable tale with some breezy football this summer.

In their first game at this edition of the World Cup, one that resembled two different games on either side of the break, Belgium overcame a dull start and a deficit to defeat Algeria 2-1. In awakening their spirits just in time, Belgium underlined why this is a team that is rated so highly.

Some might feel that Marc Wilmots’ men were a mixed bag, struggling to make a fluent impression in their first outing against Algeria. But in reality, it was a game that showcased why Belgium is considered such a dangerous outfit at this World Cup in Brazil.

The coach was pacing around restlessly even as his vaunted stars were going through the motions in an apparently insipid first half. As you might expect, Belgium enjoyed a lion’s share of the possession.

But the frontline - Romelu Lukaku with Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Nacer Chadli for support - could barely make an impression on the four men providing cover to Raïs M'Bolhi and his post.

Jan Vertonghen complicated matters for Belgium, when he obstructed Sofiane Feghouli – pulling down the Algerian with his arm for no good reason. Feghouli waited for Thibault Courtois to commit to the left before sending the ball away to help Algeria gain the lead.

Wilmots must have spoken his mind during the break. Even as a spectator it was painful to see the talented Belgians struggle to breach through their opponents defenses. Belgium was struggling to translate the third pass into anything of substance.

The Belgian manager made three changes in the first twenty minutes of the second half. Dries Mertens replaced Nacer Chadlli at half time before Divock Origi came in for Romelu Lukaku. The shuffle was complete when Marouane Fellaini walked in with his frizzy hair dancing with him.

The Belgian team has depth and options. And the changes by Wilmots somehow enlivened a hitherto drab team into one that was suddenly infused with exuberance. It was a sudden transformation that in many ways showcased why Belgium is such a feared opponent at this World Cup.

De Bruyne, who seemed so ineffective till then, sprang to life with a terrific cross from the left. The looping ball set it up perfectly for Fellaini to rise and meet it with his header to draw even for the Red Devils.

Belgium was a stifled attack for much of that first half, struggling to even create meaningful opportunities. The Algerians were smart with marking out Hazard for special attention and Lukaku was lying too deep to cause damage.

The substitutions worked like a charm – Mertens and Fellaini combined well almost immediately. Origi was providing the pace needed to distract Algeria. Mertens and Fellaini were feeding off that energy to drive Belgium forward, creating a flurry of opportunities.

Suddenly it looked like a different game of football from the drab first half. The second goal was a carefully constructed effort. De Bruyne stole possession and in transferring it quickly to Hazard on the left, created some valuable space.

The 23 year old picked out Mertens on the right and he made the most of being unmarked to unleash a thundering strike to give Belgium the lead. Algeria could have used a point, but succumbed to greed in sending men up, a move that clearly cost them the second goal.

It was an important win for Belgium to get their campaign going in Brazil. After all, this was meant to be an easy game on paper. Though it proved to be tight contest, Belgium can effectively seal a spot in the last 16 with victory over Russia on Sunday.

With Adnan Januzaj not even used, Wilmots has a few more tricks up his sleeve to help him navigate the tricky path to glory for his well-honed team. But the manager will be equally concerned about the lackluster showing of Lukaku, who struggled to make an impact.