Australia will begin their preparations for the 2015 Asia Cup with a friendly against a powerful Belgium on Thursday night.
The Socceroos are looking to prove a point after an encouraging, but unfairly failed World Cup. Ange Postecoglou’s side played relatively well, considering the fact that their group contained Spain, Holland and Chile, but unfortunately lost every game, conceding three goals in each.
There were plenty of highlights for Australian supporters however, with Tim Cahill scoring one of the goals of the tournament, a delicious volley against Holland. Also in that game, Miles Jedinak capitalised on Cahill's goal with a penalty as the underdogs came from behind to temporarily lead Holland, though the Oranje were too good in the end, winning 3-2.
Jedinak, Cahill, Luke Wilkshire, Tommy Oar and Australia's other main men are all likely to start against Belgium as they hunt for their first win in 2014.
For Belgium, the sky is the limit for the powerful youngsters on the back of a great World Cup. The Red Devils are growing in confidence game by game and a win against Australia would do their confidence no harm whatsoever. This game will be their final friendly before they kick off their qualification process for Euro 2016, a tournament that Marc Wilmots' side will feel more than capable of winning.
There are some huge names out for the 5th-ranked side in the world tonight however, with main man Eden Hazard injured, along with Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Thomas Vermaelen.
Wilmots has, however, included the younger brothers of both Hazard and Lukaku respectively, with Thorgan Hazard and Jordan Lukaku earning call-ups.
Expect to see starts for Kevin de Bruyne, Kevin Mirallas and Moussa Dembele as Belgium look to field a strong side to get off to the best possible start ahead of their first qualifier in October against Andorra.