Belgium’s Origi joins the party

Kenyans will follow tonight’s 2014 World Cup matches with keen interest as one of their own joins the fray in Brazil.

Divock Origi, son of former Kenya international Mike Okoth, could make his debut at football’s biggest stage tonight when Belgium take on Algeria at 7pm in a Group H clash.

Although Kenya has never qualified for the World Cup, Origi’s father was Harambee Stars’ first-choice striker for many years.

Origi’s uncle, former Kenya international and Gor Mahia captain Austin Oduor, said the family - predictably - was eagerly waiting for the match.

“He is a young player but has proved that he does not fear competing at the highest level. He’s in the Belgian squad on merit. As a family, we will pray for him,” Oduor told Daily Nation Sport yesterday.

“His growth has been steady. He has scored goals at every level and we are sure he will score at the World Cup if he plays,” he added.

DARK HORSES

Seen as dark horses to lift the trophy, Belgium is blessed with players such as Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, powerful striker Romelu Lukaku, Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany and Lille forward Origi.

Belgium have not appeared at a major international championships since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea but they impressed in qualifying and will fancy their chances of matching their semi-final showing in Mexico in 1986.

The sole survivor from their 2002 campaign is veteran defender Daniel van Buyten, who said there were some feisty tackles flying in during the team’s training sessions in the build-up to their match in Belo Horizonte.

“We usually train lightly before important matches so players hit their peak at the right time,” said the Bayern Munich player. “But the duels on the training pitch have become more full-blooded.”

“Every player should be ready. There are only 11 starting places and everybody wants to be in the line-up but the substitutes must be ready at any moment to make the difference.”

CAUTION URGED

Coach Marc Wilmots can also call on young Manchester United sensation Adnan Januzaj and his club team-mate Marouane Fellaini as well as Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, outstanding while on loan at Atletico Madrid last season.

Lukaku, who only returned to training on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in a bruising friendly with Tunisia, will spearhead an attack missing injured Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke.

Belgium, also grouped with Russia and South Korea, are expected to qualify for the knockout rounds with ease but Manchester City captain Kompany urged caution over their chances of unseating football’s superpowers.

“We have a young squad, it’s their first major tournament,” he said. “I think it’s a still a bit too early to dream of the summit. For overall victory it’s better waiting until 2016 and the Euros in France.”

Despite their impressive playing resources, Belgium will come up against a side looking to cause an upset of their own to go alongside their shock win over eventual finalists West Germany in 1982.

FAMOUS WIN

Despite that famous win, Algeria, taking part in their fourth World Cup, have never gone beyond the group stages.

Key players for the north African side include defender Madjid Bougherra, midfielders Sofiane Feghouli and Medhi Lacen, and forward Islam Slimani.

“We have a young group which has talent, but is lacking a bit of maturity,” said assistant coach Nourredine Kourichi. “Match after match this team is growing, you could see it (in friendlies) against Armenia, Slovenia and Romania

“We know that the first match is important, not vital, but important especially for confidence. The group is lacking a bit of experience but they are fearless and they have one important weapon: speed.”

“We’re going to try to trouble this Belgian team, we’re ready for it and we’ve done everything possible to prepare ourselves.”

Elsewhere, England boss Roy Hodgson raised the stakes ahead of Thursday’s potentially do-or-die World Cup clash against Uruguay by insisting that Luis Suarez has yet to prove he’s a world class striker.

GENEROUS PLAUDITS

The 27-year-old Liverpool star, voted Footballer of the Year for his Premier League performances, is set to return to the Uruguay team for the game in Sao Paulo after missing the 3-1 loss to Costa Rica with a knee injury.

But despite receiving generous plaudits for his 31 goals in England last season, Hodgson believes the jury is still out on the Suarez legacy.

“You can be a great player in your league but to be recognised as one of the all-time greats you have got to do it at the World Cup,” said Hodgson.

“He has got the potential. He is a wonderful footballer.”

Like Copa America champions Uruguay, England were also losers in their Group D opener, downed 2-1 by Italy in steamy Manaus.

Those results have left both sides’ hopes of qualification on a knife-edge, but Hodgson doesn’t want his team to be distracted by the Suarez menace.

“If you are really going to put him up there with (Diego) Maradona, Pele, (Franz) Beckenbauer and (Johan) Cruyff and (Andrea) Pirlo, this is the stage you have got to do it on,” added Hodgson.