Eden Hazard: “It’s no secret. We are weaker than in 2018, but we have better youth than in Russia” | OneFootball

In an interview with L’Équipe, Belgian striker Eden Hazard admitted that his national team is not quite as strong as the team that took the field in 2018. In response to where he believes Belgium stands now, he replied, “It’s no secret. We are weaker than in 2018, but we have better youth (young players) than in Russia. Anything can happen. The quality is there. Often in big matches, this quality can make the difference. Real was not the only favorites in the Champions League, but Karim (Benzema) scored the important goals and Thibaut (Courtois) stopped everything. It was the dream year. For Belgium, we have Kevin (De Bruyne) who is in the top 3 in the world. The best goalkeeper in the world. I’ve played with him for ten years and I’ve always said the same thing about him. We have fantastic players, but it’s a little more complicated collectively. If Romelu plays, we are almost sure to score and we have an excellent medical and technical staff.”

Belgium plays its first game of the World Cup this Wednesday the 23rd against Canada who may seem like an underdog but Canada has some quality players of their own. However, Canada’s high flying attack can be countered with its holes on defense.

Eden was fully understanding of the task at hand with his group. When asked about how he believes Belgium will fair he said stated, “We have to qualify. In 2018, the beginnings were not easy against Panama (3-0). Dries (Mertens) had unblocked the situation (47th). Jonathan David scores a lot with Canada and I’m not saying that because he plays at LOSC. Morocco has good players, like Croatia. Whoever manages the competition, the best will win.”

The Red Devils were the highest scoring team in the last World Cup, but France did provide somewhat of a blueprint for playing the Red Devils. In the Nations League, Belgium was not the high scoring machine we have come to know in recent years. Belgium does have quality players outside of Eden Hazard, but If they are to have success in this World Cup, they will need their star striker to find his form.