- Aug 25, 2010
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I've been watching the entire tournament. I just happen to disagree with you regarding Belgium. I've watched them play a lot and they'll be very difficult to beat in the knockout stages. They've typically been much better than they showed in their game today. I suspect we'll see them pick it up against SK and move on from there once Wilmots settles on a starting XI.
Beyond that, Portugal is decimated with injuries. They have no real striker who can score, and Ronaldo is injured. It's immaterial, as they will not advance due to goal differential, but Belgium would be heavily favored to beat them as they are currently constituted. Ghana is a tougher proposition, but they play very open and would potentially get caught repeatedly on the counter with Hazard and Mertens.
Nevertheless, my initial point was specifically about Belgium moving on comfortably to the quarters was predicated on them facing the United States, who is a good match-up for Belgium. I watched a Belgium team without Courtois, Hazard, and Witsel come to the US last year at this team and completely outplay the United States. The US also had Altidore in that game, but was missing Bradley. Still, Belgium pushed the pace and broke down the United States repeatedly.
We'll see what happens going forward.
I have seen quite a bit of them as well and they often play like this. Japan beat them not so long ago for Christ sake. You're over hyping them I think. Don't get carried away with all the individual talent they have. Until it comes together as a team they won't be going all the way in this tournament, not even close.
I'm disagreeing with your assertion that they;ll beat any of the teams, bar Germany, comfortably. Sorry but that's just nonsense.
One previous game that didn't count for shit is not an accurate gauge I'm afraid. Judge the USA on what they're doing now and that is playing bloody well.
Now Belgium could well beat them but this notion that all they would need to do is turn up is bollox.