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Cape Town - Sport24's Wade Pretorius previews Group H at the 2014 Soccer World Cup and thinks a new footballing giant could be revealed.
Belgium are quickly emerging as a new powerhouse in world football. This may be one tournament to soon for them but I fully expect progression from the group stage and a potential knock out match against Spain. Russia are a strong side under Fabio Capello and with Alexander Kerzhakov leading the line, I expect the Russians to progress with Belgium’s Red Devils. Korea Republic are not the force they were back in 2002 when the co-hosted the tournament and I predict they will be back on the plane shortly after landing.
FIFA rankings:
Belgium: 11th
Russia: 19th
Korea Republic: 57th
Algeria: 22nd
Players to watch:
Alexander Kerzhakov (Russia), Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Kevin Mirallas(all Belgium).
Two to go through:
Belgium, Russia
Team to create a stir:
Algeria. As an unknown quantity, Algeria has the potential to surprise their opponents in Group H. They are the number one ranked African side going into the 2014 SWC and you don’t rise to those heights without being a quality outfit. Don’t be surprised if you see Algeria’s name in the headlines at this event.
Match not to be missed:
Belgium v Russia – This will be Belgium's litmus test to see whether the young side has what it takes to go far in this competition. The Belgian side is packed with European superstars and are many fans dark-horses for the 2014 edition of the Soccer World Cup. Russia are no push-overs and this game should decide who tops the Group G. Lukaku and Kompany to get on the scoresheet in this clash.
Don’t forget to join our Superbru pool for the 2014 SWC and test yourself against the Sport24 team.
Will Algeria sneak into the Round of 16? Will Belgium’s stars freeze on the big stage?
Look out for our Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F and Group G previews.
Follow Sport24's Wade Pretorius on twitter: @wadepretorius
