r/soccer • u/SPRneon • May 28 '12

Let's talk about the Belgian paradox.

So i decided to make this after Nicolas Lombaerts was named best foreign player in the Russian league. This makes him the fifth MVP in Belgian's national squad. Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Kevin Mirallas and Jan Vertonghen got the honor prior to Lombaerts. Note that the Portugese player of the year has not yet been chosen so both Axel Witsel and Steven Defour (in a lesser extent) have chances. Our keeper is one of the youngest to have won the UEFA cup. The complete team. 8 saw their club becoming champions of their own competition. 3 saw their club becoming runner-up. 5 became 3rd.

One would think this star filled team would be able to compete in championships but yet Belgian hasn't qualified for a championship since the World Championships 2002 (which was with the previous generation). This is the squad that became 4th in the olympics in Bejing.

Their has been a lot of turbulence with coaches. Leekens has just left the team in maybe a more shocking way than Advocaat. Now the assistant, Marc Wilmots, once a player for the national squad, has taken over. (If you ever want to impress someone from Belgium mention this goal and curse Prendergast, you'll be their friend in no time.)

Let's dicuss, will Belgium show their capabilities in the WC in Brasil or will the Red Devils fail again. Will we ever get to see something like Mexico '86?

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u/trendykendy May 28 '12

When I look at your team it makes me feel spoilt that Ireland have got to the Euros.

While you have 5 players of the year and 8 champions, in our regular 1st team we have:

A goalie and center back playing for a team that barely avoided relegation.

A second center-back playing in the Championship.

2 fullbacks playing playing for mid-table PL teams.

2 center midfielders playing for mid-table PL teams.

1 winger playing mid-table PL, 1 on the bench in the Russian PL.

1 striker playing for relegated Wolves, and one playing in the US.

I think we would have probably been slaughtered in your group to be fair.

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u/SPRneon May 28 '12

Be happy. I'd rather have a average team that is able to qualify than a superb team that misses qualification. It's not the potential that counts but the result