Belgium counting on Hazard to dazzle at World Cup

By: 10 years ago

Belgium midfielder Jan Vertonghen relaxes as he waits to leave at the end of a press conference at the team’s training facility, in Mogi Das Cruzes, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. Belgium plays in the group H of the 2014 soccer World Cup. AP

MOGI DAS CRUZES, Brazil— Jose Mourinho has sung the praises of Eden Hazard. The best club in Paris, the city of lights, has wooed him. And Eden has finally arrived in his garden — the World Cup — wearing the same storied No. 10 as the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane did before him.

Now comes the hard part: Living up to his billing and dealing with the pressure.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots says any pressure on his star player should be “water off a duck’s back.” However, Hazard certainly has piled more pressure on himself with a lackluster preparation campaign.

Still, his teammates know he will perform when counted upon.

Defender Jan Vertonghen said “whatever happens, he will be there,” echoing several teammates.

Belgium opens play Tuesday against Algeria.