World Cup 2018: 4 Reasons Why Belgium have Been Successful in Russia

Belgium have been one of the most entertaining teams so far in this World Cup and, with their brilliant style of play, they have reached the semi-final for only the second time in their history.

The semi-finals are finally upon us and in the first match, Belgium will play against France. Both teams have been absolutely brilliant thus far, and this is going to be a treat for the fans who wish to see the best among the best face off against each other.

Belgium dominated their group winning all three matches and scoring 9 goals. They were the highest scoring team across all the groups and also had the best goal difference (+7).

The Belgians did have a major scare against Japan but the players displayed great character to come back from a 2-goal deficit to win the match 3-2.

A lot of factors have contributed to Belgium's success in this World Cup. So what contributed significantly to Belgium's journey to the semis and can prove to be very useful against France?

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#4 Squad Depth

Even a second-string Belgium side is a force to reckon with

Even after leaving out a big name like Radja Nainggolan, Belgium have come into the tournament with a wide pool of players to choose from. The depth in their squad not only proved to be useful against England, when Belgium's stars were given a rest, but also against Japan, where two players came off the bench to win the match for the Red Devils.

Adnan Januzaj, Michy Batshuayi, and Nacer Chadli have all managed to get goals in the tournament even though they have not been given regular game time.

Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini has arguably been the most impactful among the reserves. The 30-year-old Manchester United midfielder has been on the receiving end of some very harsh criticism since his move to the Old Trafford. but he put on a fantastic performance against Japan and equalized for Belgium when all seemed to be lost.

He followed it up with a brilliant display against Brazil in the quarter-finals garnering a lot of praise for his heroics in the match.

Roberto Martinez will be a very happy man going into the semi-finals with the knowledge that not only can he count on his starters but also on the substitutes.

#3 Harmony in the squad

This is Belgium's golden generation

Each player in the Belgium squad seems to be in perfect synch with his teammates, putting the success of the team ahead of individual glory. Players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco have adapted to the team formation and tactics despite not playing in their preferred positions.

De Bruyne, who is being used as a deep-lying playmaker, usually prefers to play further up front while Carrasco, a midfielder, is being used as a wing-back. The change in position has not affected their performances though.

Another instance where the Belgians proved that they value team before the individual was when both Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were withdrawn from the game against Tunisia to give the substitutes some game time, despite both of them being on the verge of getting a hat-trick.

#2 Multiple goalscorers

Romelu Lukaku is in the running for the World Cup Golden Boot

If this World Cup has taught us anything, it is that Belgium always find a way to score. With 14 goals to their name, the Belgian team is the highest scoring side of the tournament.

Main man Romelu Lukaku has scored four of Belgium's 14 and is probably the only player in the tournament who can catch the World Cup's current leading goalscorer - England captain Harry Kane.

Belgium, however, have not depended only on the Lukaku for goals. Hazard, De Bruyne, and Dries Mertens have all popped up with goals in the tournament. Even defender Jan Vertonghen and reserve players Januzaj, Chadli, Fellaini, and Batshuayi have scored when Belgium needed them to.

Confidence will be high and the first of the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup can surely expect to see some goals.

#1 Individual Brilliance

Dries Mertens scored one of the goals of the tournament against Panama

Dries Mertens scored an awe-inspiring goal in Belgium's first match of the 2018 World Cup. That, however, was not the only moment of magic that has been produced by a Belgian player in this World Cup.

Lukaku's solo run against Brazil and De Bruyne's long-range effort in the same game are indicators that show that any and every player in the Belgium side can hurt their opponents.

In defence, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have made some fine tackles, displaying their defensive prowess. Also, Thibaut Courtois has pulled off some brilliant saves over the course of the tournament, even though he did have some shaky moments against Japan.

Belgians play their football as a well-organized team but the individual quality in the squad is something to look out for.

All Stats Updated as of 9 July