Leander Dendoncker has his eyes on the biggest prize in football as Belgium get set to begin their World Cup campaign.
The midfielder was part of the squad that finished third in Russia four years ago, and he hopes that his country can improve on that performance this time around in Qatar.
Belgium begin their quest for the trophy against Canada on Wednesday (ko 7pm), and Dendoncker says expectations are high.
“The hope is to win the World Cup,” he told VillaTV.
“Every country wants to win the World Cup. The last World Cup was the same expectations, and we did really well. Now, everyone hopes we can do even better, which will be really hard because we’re still a small country.
“We have a very good team, but it will be really difficult. The World Cup is always really special, but you can have one bad day and you go out. We will have to be at our very best in order to go far.”
The 27-year-old enters the tournament with 29 caps for Belgium, with one of those appearances coming in the 2018 World Cup.
Playing against England in the group stage was a major moment in Dendoncker’s career, and he is hoping to represent his country on the biggest stage again.
He said: “I’ve been to one World Cup and, I have to say, it was really, really special even though I only played one game.
“It’s the kind of feeling that is really special. I think [playing in] the Champions League and World Cup are the two biggest achievements football players can have.
“It will be my second World Cup. It’s a big honour to represent my country at the biggest sporting event in the world.”
Dendoncker added: “It’s really important because the whole country is watching you. When you win and when you go through, everyone is proud of you.
“You just try to do the best for your country, your people and for everyone.”
