Scotland match not easy for Belgians, says Thomas Vermaelen

 
16 October 2012

Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen is taking nothing for granted when his side host Scotland despite their opponent's poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Craig Levein's side have yet to win any of their opening three matches in Group A, while the Belgians sit top with seven points.

Marc Wilmots' side head into the game full of confidence following an impressive 3-0 win in Serbia.

However Vermaelen is wary of the threat of the visitors who have current Premier league top scorer Steven Fletcher in their ranks.

"It's not going to be easy because they have some good players who play in the Premier League," Vermaelen told Sky Sports News. "We got a massive three points on Friday and we want three points today as well."

Whether superstar playmaker Eden Hazard starts the game is yet unknown with Wilmots unhappy with the Chelsea midfielder's work rate without the ball during Friday's win.

"I spoke to Eden after the game," Wilmots said. "On Friday I had to move him away from the centre and put him out on the flank to restore the balance in the centre with Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele and Axel Witsel.

"Eden should know that, in football today, changing from defence to attack and from attack to defence are essential.

"But I support him. Step by step, we will get there."

Vermaelen was also keen to back Hazard and believes their good start is down in part to team spirit.

"Everyone knows his qualities. I am really happy he is with the national team," he added. "Maybe that (a lack of team unity) was the problem in the past but at the moment, shape of the team is better and we are getting the results."

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