Only Spain and Germany Better Than Belgium Right Now – Former Newcastle Defender Philippe Albert Backs Red Devils

Tuesday, 16th October, 2012

Former Belgium and Newcastle United defender Philippe Albert believes that only two teams are currently better than his homeland in international football – Spain and Germany.

Marco Wilmots’ Red Devils have taken Group A by storm in the 2014 World Cup qualification process, thrashing Serbia 3-0 away from home on Friday night.

relatedNewsStoryCombined with a victory away to Wales and a draw at home against Croatia, confidence is high in Belgium that the national team can reach Brazil in 2014.

And Albert, a stylish defender who played for Belgium between 1987 and 1997, clocking up 41 caps, has lavished praise on Wilmots’ talented team.

"I see only two teams that are better than the Red Devils: Spain and Germany", Albert told the Extra Time programme on VRT.

"We have a lot of talent in middle and our second half against Serbia was incredibly strong", he added.

"It is only on the defensive flanks that we still have problems.

"We are a very attacking team and we have a world class goalkeeper. Thibaut Courtois is our first world class goalkeeper since Michel Preud’Homme."

Belgium are aiming to continue their fine form against Scotland tonight.

The pressure is on the visitors to shock the Red Devils, with Craig Levein’s men desperately needing three points, having only picked up two points from their three games so far.