Belgium
Strengths:
Physically dominant
Technical proficiency
Solid defenders/midfielders
Weaknesses:
Unproven
Inexperienced on big stage
Overview: Forward Romelu Lukaku leads a bolstered Belgium team into a World Cup in which they think they could make a run at. A technically solid and physical team, Belguim could overpower weaker teams.
Algeria
Strengths:
Creative
Coaching
Midfielders
Weaknesses:
Young
Limited international play
Chemistry
Overview: Defender Madjid Bougherra hopes to bring his experience to a younger Algeria team. Algeria will need their creativity and strategy to overcome more experienced and proven teams.
Russia
Strengths:
Goalkeeping
Midfielders
Attackers
Weaknesses:
Young
Inexperienced
Depth and size
Overview: Russia is led by Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev. Igor steadies a young and inexperienced Russian team who hopes to offset their inexperience with their midfield and attacking skills.
Korea Republic
Strengths:
Energized Coach
Young stars
Potential
Weaknesses:
Cohesiveness
Leadership
Costant lineup changes
Overview: Forward Park Chu-Young will lead Korea as they hope their young stars will come through in the clutch. If they can reach their full potential, these youngsters could be very good despite an ever-changing lineup.
Predicted finish of teams in this group
- Belgium
- Algeria
- Russia
- Korea