Belgium will look to produce their newfound swagger on the international stage when they host France in a high-profile friendly on Wednesday.
The Belgians have climbed from 55 in the rankings to 10 in a year's time and with the kind of talent on show in their squad - most of them from the English Premier League - they will be one of the dark horses to possibly go all the way come Brazil 2014 next year.
"Against players such as (Eden) Hazard, (Kevin) de Bruyne, (Romelu) Lukaku, (Christian) Benteke and (Kevin) Mirallas, we have to play a rapid, attacking game," France coach Didier Deschamps said.
"Then it will all depend if we have the ball we will force them to play defence, or we would have to be attentive or counter their attack.
"However, this team is able to master the game thanks to the composition of the midfield. It will be a difficult game. I hope that tomorrow (Wednesday) we will master the game and force them to be on the defence."
French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is familiar with most of the players in the Belgian lineup, including Tottenham teammate Jan Vertonghen and the former Lyon man expects a tough match.
"Seeing the circumstances -- some competitions have not started yet," he said. "We are going to compensate with a fresh start and enthusiasm against a talented Belgian team. Our goal is to prepare for two important dates in September and October, that will be decisive for our future.
"A lot of Belgian players play in the English Premier League, others in the first league. We know this team very well, it has potential for the future and it is going to be an important outsider for the next World Cup even though they are not qualified yet.
"They are on the right track, beside they are playing at home tomorrow. I think that will be a good test for both teams."
