Eden Hazard admits Belgium pressure

Belgium playmaker Eden Hazard has claimed that he has the "burden of a nation" on his shoulders at the World Cup.

The youngster, who joined Chelsea from Lille for £32m in 2012, is widely regarded as one of his country's best players at the tournament.

However, Hazard has now opened up about the pressure that he feels when representing Belgium out in Brazil.

"It's great to carry the burden of a nation, and on the other hand it's huge pressure whenever you are on the pitch," he told the Times of India.

"Belgian people are aware of my price tag and so I guess it is quite natural for them to pin their hopes on me. I am only 23 but I am exposed to plenty of top level football to have a fair idea of what the World Cup will mean to me and my team."

Belgium, who beat Algeria in their opening match of the World Cup, continue their campaign today (Sunday) when they play Russia in Rio de Janeiro.