FF - Belgium - The ever improving national side with a sting in their tail

World Cups and Euro competitions often feature teams that have been prominent through many past competitions, with the exception of teams such as Hungary who revolutionized 'total football' in the 1950's. Teams such as Spain, Germany, Brazil, England, Italy and France are always in the mixer in the knockout stages of such prominent tournaments and it's often classed as an 'early exit' if one of these teams isn't to qualify past the group stages.

Only being 19, I have a fairly limited knowledge on football on the international stage, and my knowledge is based more on recent history. However, it's important to look further back into the history books as well keeping an eye on what's happening in front of you.

The Belgium national team have not qualified for a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup, held in Korea and Japan. Only being 9 at the time, I don't remember their appearance in the tournament but a quick scour on the internet tells me they were knocked out in the second round. Belgium's best placing in a tournament, since major tournaments began, was in 1972 (ironically when my Dad was 9), where they finished in 3rd place, beating Hungary (again, somewhat ironic) 2-1 in the battle for third place. However, it could be argued that they did so well, due to the buoyancy of the home crowd as the 1972 UEFA Euro was held in non other than Belgium. But, we'll not take anything away from them. Belgium then went on to finish runners-up in 1980, beaten to the cup by the mighty West Germany, an 88th minute goal from Horst Hrubesch, nicknamed the 'heading beast', condemning Belgium to a 2-1 defeat.

Since the late Hrubesch goal, Belgium have hardly set the world alight with any of their major tournament performances. The powerful Hrubesch header, not only headed the ball into the back of the net but also headed Belgium's national team into footballing obscurity. They came so close to their first trophy in a major tournament, and now in 2012, sit in a lowly 53rd place after dismal performances and failures to qualify. Yet, the current crop that are growing in Belgian fields, could see a football force stirring in Europe.

Looking at the current crop of warriors, it's hard to see why Belgium aren't pulling any trees. A quick scan of their squad list shows that they have some real stars in the making, if not already made. They don't have the same number of star players that the big guns have, but a decent team that should at least be able to qualify.

• Simon Mignolet, not the best goalkeeper to be your number 1 (looking at Spain's Casillas, Valdes and Reina) but a more than steady keeper.
• Vincent Kompany, current captain of Premiership league winners Manchester City, arguably the best centre back in the premier league at this moment in time.
• Thomas Vermaelen, recently made Arsenal captain who has more than held his own in the Premier league, and could well seal a big money move if he keeps off the injury table.
• Jan Vertonghen, the big powerful centre-back, currently signed for Tottenham Hotspur after impressing in his performances for Ajax.
• Eden Hazard, set the french league alight with his startling performances and now looks to do the same for Chelsea. A quick nippy winger who is a handful to any full-back. 
• Marouane Fellaini, the robust central midfielder who shaves his afro every day only for it to grow back due to the amount of testosterone running through his veins.
• Axel Witsel, a more than accomplished central midfielder, currently plying his trade in Benfica but surely set for a big move to one of the big boys, sooner rather than later. 
• Romelu Lukaku, the next Drogba, and at only 19 years of age has the potential to reach dizzying heights of football stardom, if given the chance.
• Kevin Mirallas, a little unheard of but the Evertonian has a keen eye for goal and can also play on the wing. 

Looking at that list, and after over looking a few (Dembele, Van Buyten, De Bruyne) it's arguable that Belgium are a couple of players off becoming a dominant force in football. Most of the players on the list are currently plying their trade in the premier league, the most physical and pace ridden league in the world. They are playing with and up against some of the best footballers the world has to offer, and if they can pull it all together, with a little bit of luck and under the helm of a good manager, they may go a little further than qualifying for a major tournament.