The Red Devils stumbled out of the blocks at UEFA EURO 2016 but, with Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard leading the way, they are building up a head of steam.
Nickname: The Red Devils
Story so far: Shorn of talismanic captain Vincent Kompany here in France, Belgium made a false start against Italy but they have got better and better ever since. With Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard to the fore, victories against Ireland and Sweden preceded an impressive 4-0 demolition of Hungary in the round of 16. Belief is growing: this could be Belgium’s year.
Route to last eight: 0-2 Italy, 3-0 Republic of Ireland, 1-0 Sweden, 4-0 Hungary
Star performer: Hazard has been the ignition for Belgium’s well-oiled attacking machine and the good news for Belgium is that he is growing into the finals. Hungary saw the best of him so far.
Best moment:
The conclusion to that last-16 tie against the Magyars. Belgium were excellent throughout, but with 13 minutes to go it was still 1-0. Hazard set up Michy Batshuayi for the second and Marc Wilmots’ side were liberated, cramming two more goals in before full time.
Strengths: The attack. Besides star performers Hazard and De Bruyne, Wilmots also has the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Batshuayi, Yannick Carrasco and Dries Mertens at his disposal. When they’re on their game they take some stopping.
Weaknesses: Without injured pair Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts, the defence has caused Wilmots a few headaches and Belgian fans a few gnawed fingernails. They have improved, yet Thomas Vermaelen’s suspension against Wales leaves a big hole.
Quarter-final prediction: Belgium did not beat Wales in two qualifying encounters, losing one and drawing the other. However, they are gathering momentum after the Italy match and are meeting the high pre-tournament expectations many placed upon them. Prediction? 3-1 Belgium.
What are they singing? Tous ensemble, tous ensemble, hey hey (All together, all together, hey hey) – French being the preferred language for Belgian songs. Club specialities also play a part: the White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army is a Club Brugge favourite, while Anderlecht fans bring Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds (“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing’s gonna be alright”).
Celebrity fans: Stromae (singer), Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike (DJs), Kevin & Jonathan Borlée (athletes), Kim Clijsters (former tennis player), Vincent Kompany (the injured captain)
Tell us something we didn’t know: Lille, venue for the Wales quarter-final, is right on the border with Belgium: walk 10km east from the Stade Pierre Mauroy and you are in Red Devils’ territory. Hazard and Divock Origi both made their professional debuts at Lille.
