Number one on FIFA ranking and rightly so far a National Team blessed with talents in almost every position on the pitch, with depth almost equal in abilities, Belgium are always the number one favourites heading into any tournament since the last few years or so.
Belgium squad at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on July 10, 2018. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
After their failure to qualify for the European Championship finals in 2012, Belgium Golden generation were touted to be the next big thing in international football boasting exceptional players then in the likes of Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Moussa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Dries Mertens and others, who were already established and playing at the top of their game.
They were also blessed with superstars below the age of 25, who are already making waves in the biggest leagues in Europe. Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were as good as any player of their age while Kevin de Bruyne was developing into the top level player.
Fast forward to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil which they did qualify, they progressed from the group winning all three games and in the round of 16, needed extra time to beat the US as an outstanding Tim Howard in goal proved a headache.
The former Everton goalkeeper made a record 15 saves in a World Cup match to see his side to extra time but it was it to be Belgium’s day as the Red Devils progressed 2-1.
Unfortunately, they could not get past the quarter finals as they were eliminated by Argentina, who won courtesy of a Gonzalo Higuain lone goal. Belgium were unable to fashion a reply and they bowed out of the tournament.
Heading into the European Championship in 2016, they were one of the favourites and even after a losing start to the tournament, they soon grew into the vibes and sometimes looked unplayable, beating Republic of Ireland and Sweden in the other group games.
They walloped Hungary in the round of 16 by four goals to nothing and were favourites heading into the quarter final clash with Wales, only to be outclassed by the Welsh 3-1 and ended yet another promising campaign on a disappointing note.
Looking ahead after the disappointment of the European Championship 2016, Roberto Martinez was appointment manager in order to get the best out of the side and things improved significantly in the qualifiers as they were the first European Nation to book a ticket for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
They reached the semi final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winning all their games including against England and Brazil but then lost out to France in the semi final.
So much the favourites and the better side on papers and even after dominating for most part of the game, Samuel Umtiti’s header six minutes after the break was all it needed to end their run.
The disappointment extended to the European Championship in 2021 where they also boasted the best players, and won all their group games. They also eliminated defending champions, Portugal in the round of 16.
But in the quarter final, they fell to the eventual Champions Italy. The Italian besting them 2-1 with all the goals coming in the first half. Scoring the last goal before half-time, Belgium were unable to build on the momentum and complete the turnaround in the second half.
The UEFA Nations League also presented them another opportunity to win a major title. However they let slip another opportunity, losing to France 3-2 after leading 2-0 at half time.
Roberto Martinez’s men also suffered a 2-1 third place defeat to Italy.
With the next international tournament coming up next year in Qatar, the 2022 World Cup might be the last avenue for Belgium’s Golden generation to salvage a reputation for themselves as most would have hung their boots before another one.
Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembele, Thomas Vermaelen and a few others are big miss who can not be called upon again and Belgium will rue missed opportunities with their retired players.
The likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and other big names will be well over their 30s after the next World Cup and that could well spell the end for their Golden generation.
Belgium will head into a make or break tournament in 2022 and all eyes will be on them when the World Cup kickoff next year in Qatar.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
