Witsel Urges Belgium To Replicate Highs Of Russia 2018

The Red Devils finished third in 2018 after getting past Japan and Brazil in the knockout rounds only to fall to eventual winners France in the semi-finals.

That was the closest Belgium's golden generation have come to winning a trophy and they will have one last chance of landing silverware in Qatar when they begin their 2022 journey against Canada on Wednesday.

Belgium will go into the tournament with all their major arsenal like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.

Witsel reckons Belgium can go all the way once more but tips Brazil as the team to beat.

"I would say we have even more experience than in 2018. Now time will tell if we are stronger or weaker than in 2018," the 33-year-old said.

"It's true that in 2018, we had an extraordinary run. We were all really, collectively, and individually, on top. And that's what we want to reproduce here. After that, as I said, it's a different World Cup from the others.

"The small advantage is that some of us have known each other for ten years, others a little less. But we've been together for a long time.

"When you don't really have time to prepare for a World Cup, I think that's a point that shouldn't be overlooked."

"In any case, I think it is logical. For me, the great favourite of this tournament is Brazil. But that's my opinion," he added,

"I think, when you look at the team they have, you can't say that we are at that level. For me, Brazil is the big favourite."

Belgium will also play Croatia and Morocco in Group F.