2014 FIFA World Cup: Get to Know Belgium's Eden Hazard

The U.S. defense will have to tangle with the playmaker at the World Cup.

ByABC News
July 1, 2014, 2:37 AM

— -- Belgium brought plenty of attacking talent to the World Cup in Brazil, but no one shines brighter than Eden Hazard.

The winger, who turns 23 on the same day as the U.S.-Belgium game, has picked up two assists in two appearances so far in the tournament. He sat out of Belgium's third match of the group stage as the Red Devils had already secured advancement to knockout phase.

Hazard was born into soccer -- his parents played in Belgium and his younger brother plays with him at English club Chelsea.

2014 FIFA World Cup TV Schedule and Results

ESPN: Complete Coverage

Hazard began his career in Belgium youth sides before moving to Lille in France. Three years after joining the French side, he began to shine -- winning the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award at the end of the 2008-09 season.

After cementing his status as one of the best and young attack talents in soccer, Chelsea paid $54 million for him in 2012.

Hazard scored 13 goals in his first season with Chelsea. He followed that up with 17 goals in all competitions last year, won England's Young Player of the Year award and finished second to Uruguayan star (and biter) Luis Suarez for the Player of the Year award.

His play has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Hazard has also been publicly chided by some of his coaches for being lazy.

Also, he seems to love selfies.

Hazard has scored six goals in 48 appearances for Belgium, considered to be a dark horse to win the World Cup.