Eden Hazard plays down World Cup expectations

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard has insisted that a quarter-final appearance for Belgium at this summer's World Cup should be deemed a success.

Belgium are widely regarded as the dark horses at the tournament, which is being held in Brazil, but Hazard has attempted to play down expectations for a first World Cup triumph for his country.

The 23-year-old told reporters: "Everybody says that we have a great generation and that we can achieve something big. But we just try to stay down to earth.

"We know that we're a young team, a very good team yes, but a young team. We'll try to go through the first stage and if we can go to the quarters or the semis, it would be exceptional for our generation."

Hazard is expected to feature as a second-half substitute in Belgium's friendly with Ivory Coast on Wednesday.