Belgium are ranked 2nd in the world and that’s enough to suggest the possible threat that they present. Belgium has become the recent hot property in football with a strong young side with players excelling all over the world in different league.
This exposure gives Marc Wilmot’s team an outside chance as the favorites coming into the Euro. A SWOT analysis of the team sheet can determine will Euro 2016 will be for Belgium to announce their dominance on the big stage.
Strength
Belgium boosts of a quality player in nearly all positions on the field. The likes of Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Du Bruyne are enough to strike fear in any opposition. They have a team well adapted to any style of playing depending on the opposition.
They can play the long ball with Maroune Fellaini up front or play the quick passing game with Hazard and Du Bruyne or have possession football by throwing in a Mousa Dembele. Or simply play traditional football with Lukaku to run at the opposition.
Their adaptability is their key strength.
Weakness
Injury to their captain Vincent Kompany puts a question mark on the leadership of the team as well as on the defense but the likes of Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen it should not be tuff to negotiate but his presence and his heading ability in set pieces does count as a weak spot for Belgium.
Opportunity
From nowhere to the top is Belgium’s story. They were not even contention in the last 4 Euros having failed to qualify.
This time they have a chance to repeat the heroics of Belgium of the 80’s when they finished runners up.
They should use this opportunity to go one better and bring home the title.
Threat
Belgium is drawn in Group E. They will have to face the likes of Italy and Sweden as well as first time qualifiers Republic of Ireland. The matches against Italy and Sweden will not be easy as they too aspire to win the Euros.
The match against Republic of Ireland will be a tricky draw if the Euro qualifiers are to be taken into consideration. Lastly, lack of experience at the big stage could undo a young exciting team.