(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
If anything, only a lack of top class defenders might hold the team back from achieving on their undoubted potential. Genoa’s Anthony Vanden Borre has been much touted since making his international debut in 2004 aged just 17, but is still a long way from being a top-class international defender.
Daniel Van Buyten, of Bayern Munich, is a solid-enough player at the back—but at 31, will he still be at his peak when the rest of his youthful teammates reach theirs?
If these question can be answered, if the likes of Laurent Ciman (23, Club Brugge), Jan Vertonghen (22, Ajax), and Sebastien Pocognoli (21, AZ) can develop into quality international players, then the future really will look very bright for traditionally one of Europe’s less threatening footballing nations.
Even if defensive concerns remain, however, the attacking resources already at their disposal will still make them a difficult opponent to face in any circumstances.
Many of these players have grown up at youth level together, and have developed something of a shared bond and ambition. World Cup appearances and international success are the main long-term goal. Euro 2016—wherever it may be held—must be penciled in as the team’s best opportunity to make a real splash.
In the short-term, targets are more reserved.
Crowds have deserted international games, with the 50,000 Koning Boudewijn stadium no longer used because it was never filled. With the population being drawn from widely differing cultural backgrounds, and with three languages widely spoken, national unity is a problem—and consequently attendances have never been particularly high.
If they can convince fans to attend in their thousands—and cheer for a country they feel a confusing affiliation with—then there is little limit to what they might achieve.
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