Vincent Kompany: Belgium Can Win This Year

World Cup/Believe in the golden generation Kompany: Belgian football legend Vincent Kompany, who retired a year after the last World Cup, is confident his countrymen will win the World Cup this year, despite not playing in Qatar as a player.

Kompany, 36, who is currently the manager of Championship side Burnley, was still glowing as he talked about his playing days, recalling the succession of the "golden generation" more than a decade ago and looking forward to Belgium winning the World Cup this year.

"We HAVE BEEN NUMBER ONE IN THE WORLD FOR SIX OR SEVEN YEARS AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO BE CONSISTENT, BUT IT IS A CUP COMPETITION AND ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. Kompany recalled that in 2018, when Belgium played England in the final round of the World Cup, everyone knew that the losing team would have an easy way to progress, and the team still won, so it had to deal with Japan, Brazil and France to reach the final.

"It's nothing, it's just seven games, and the World Cup is different from other tournaments, you have to peak at the right time, which we did in 2018 against Brazil in the last eight, and we have to do that because they are really good." Kompany, who led the team to the last four, recalled that although the team failed to win the World Cup in the final four, the best third place in the history of the team is still a good memory, and believe that this year can improve.

"I believe they can, other teams may be favourites, but they can be like Italy [in 2016]." Kompany pointed out that Belgium now has a team with experience, record and organisation, "and the advantage of having played together for many years, as well as players who can execute key hits and players who can change the game. You need people like that in the game."

Kompany singled out Kevin De Bruyne as the focal point of this year's competition. He praised the former national team and Manchester City friend for his ability to play with his head. "When he receives the ball, he already knows what to do and starts to execute.

Belgium's Qatar World Cup is in Group F and its first match will be against Canada at 3am Taiwan time tomorrow.