When it comes to World Cup competition, Belgium is not up there in play with the premiere powerhouse teams just yet, but they are clearly on the right path. The up-and-comers will look to continue their increasing success when they face off against Croatia at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Tuesday, Sept. 11, in a 2014 World Cup qualification matchup at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Croatia is a talented team looking for retribution after coming up short in a close third place finish in Group C of the UEFA Euro 2012. Although star player Slaven Billic is gone, Croatia's deep talent pool still remains. Luka Modric and Eden Hazard will be two key players to watch for.

Modric has been one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League, but the downside is that he has come up short in getting his team results over the last couple years.

However, Hazard has already made an impact at the ripe young age of 21. The skilled youngster will be a player to watch for several years to come and Croatia hopes he can start immediately.

Croatia will be Belgium's stiffest competition for a spot in the 2014 World Cup. Star Ivan Stimac's first match of competition with the club resulted in a 1-0 victory over Macedonia.

After losing the starting spot on Croatia, Nikika Jelavic regained it from Eduardo da Silva, as he ended up back in their last game after 63 minutes and made an immediate impact by scoring just five minutes after re-entering. Hence, many expect a reignited Jelavic to bring the same type of impact on Tuesday.

Belgium will stack an imposing defense up against the Croatians, which will feature Thomas Vermaelen, Jen Vertonghen and Vincent Kompany. In their midfield they will have Moussa Dembele and Eden Hazard, who are two players with different styles of play, but they are both stars to be reckoned with on the playing field.

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Tags
World cup 2014, Internatonal soccer, Television