The World Cup serves as a mile-marker for football, a chance to take stock. Every four years we’re given a snapshot of the world’s game. The World Cup almost serves as a soccer State of the Union address, allowing us to see the state of the sport and its stars. Four years ago, Belgium’s Eden Hazard was one of the players expected to bewitch the biggest tournament there is. This time, he comes into the World Cup knowing he needs it for his very survival as a top level footballer.
Russia 2018 could not have arrived at a better time for Hazard. Reaching his peak at Chelsea, it would be sandwiched neatly between his two best seasons at Stamford Bridge. Hazard had just scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. After netting three goals at the tournament and helping fire Belgium to third place, he would enjoy his best goalscoring season in England. Hazard’s spell at Chelsea would be capped off with two goals in the Europa League final, as his club beat Arsenal 4-1.
GROUP F BETTING: Belgium 8/15 Croatia 5/2 Morocco 9/1 Canada 12/1
As has been the case for so many others, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric among them, Hazard’s Premier League heroics attracted the attention of Real Madrid. After two electric seasons and a starring role at football’s biggest tournament, it felt like the winger would take the move in his stride. Unfortunately, he has endured the darkest of times since.
Fitness had never been an issue for Hazard at Chelsea. He never dropped below 31 games in a Premier League season and regularly played over 50 games a season across all competitions. In short, he was reliable. But when Hazard arrived at the Bernabeu, suddenly the injuries started racking up at an alarming rate.
TOURNAMENT ODDS: Belgium 18/1 Croatia 50/1 Morocco 300/1 Canada 500/1
The Belgian has never featured in more than 18 games in a La Liga season for Los Blancos. Injury, illness, surgery and a falling out with head coach Carlo Ancelotti has seen Hazard make just three league appearances in the first half of this season. Since joining in 2019, he has made just 72 appearances and scored 7 goals in all competitions. Hazard’s sad decline has played out on football’s biggest stage, as we have suffered with the man who once beguiled us.
The extremity of these issues has led to Real Madrid reportedly considering a contract termination. This puts the 2022 World Cup into sharp focus for Hazard. While his influence has eroded at club level, he remains part of the Belgium squad. The player himself realises the importance of the next month in his overall career outlook. Speaking to the press ahead of the tournament, he said, “I have even more desire to show that I still know how to play football. I didn't become useless in two or three years.”
BELGIUM STAGE OF ELIMINATION: Group Stage 5/1, Last 16 6/5, Quarter Final 7/2, Semi Final 6/1, Runner Up 12/1, Winner 12/1
Four years ago, Hazard was close to the top of the list of players to get excited about at the World Cup. He no longer operates at such lofty heights. But as stated in the opening, the World Cup is football’s State of the Union address. If Hazard can get close to his best on this huge stage, he will wind up on the shopping list of a lot of clubs.
At 31, he still has a few valuable years left. How he uses them is dependent on his fitness, as Hazard is clearly not the physical specimen he was at Chelsea. But already, the likes of former club Chelsea and the rapidly-rising Newcastle United are credited with an interest. There is a shot at redemption on offer for Hazard, it’s up to him to take it.
GROUP F FIXTURES:
Wed 23 Nov (10am GMT) Morocco vs. Croatia
Wed 23 Nov (7pm) Belgium vs. Canada
Sun 27 Nov (1pm) Belgium vs. Morocco
Sun 27 Nov (4pm) Croatia vs. Canada
Thurs 1 Dec (3pm) Croatia vs. Belgium
Thurs 1 Dec (3pm) Canada vs. Morocco
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
