Golden generation comes to an end
2014
Belgium qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after topping their group which included Croatia. This was the first time Belgium played at a World Cup for 12 years. Belgium were drawn against Algeria, Russia and South Korea for the group stages of 2014 FIFA World Cup. Belgium squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup included Chelsea winger Eden Hazard and Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany. Belgium impressed in Brazil after reaching the 2014 World Cup quarter-final. Their World Cup dream came to an end after losing to Argentina 1-0 in the quarter-final.
Manager
Marc Wilmots lead Belgium to the quarter-final of 2014 World Cup and was successful in achieving qualification for 2016 UEFA European Championship finals in France. Belgium went to world number one in the FIFA rankings before the 2016 Euros began. Belgium squad was extremely strong for the 2016 Euros which included twelve players from the Premier League. They were devastated to lose to Wales in the quarter-final of 2016 Euros with been number one in the world. Belgium judged reaching the quarter-final of both 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros a failure as they sacked Wilmots shortly after their defeat to Wales.
Roberto Martinez
The former Everton boss was appointed manager of Belgium in 2016. Martinez appointed 1998 World Cup winner and 2003/2004 Premier League winner Thierry Henry as assistant manager. Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku went into the 2018 FIFA World Cup in good form after scoring 16 Premier League goals with Manchester United in 2017/2018 season. Belgium were drawn against England, Tunisia and Panama with topping the group on nine points. Belgium reached the semi-final of 2018 FIFA World Cup after beating Brazil 2-1 but another heartache as they lost 1-0 in the semi-final to France. They finished third after beating England in the third-place play-off but disappointed that they didn’t make it to the final.
2020
Kevin De Bruyne holds the record for the most assists for a Manchester City player of all time with 96 and is a big part of Belgium’s squad for Euro 2020. Lukaku was going into the delayed 2020 Euros in great form after scoring 24 goals in the Seria A with Inter Milan in 2020/2021 season. Belgium didn’t perform to their normal standard as they were dumped out against Italy at the quarter-final of Euro 2020. Martinez was lucky to not lose his job after Euro 2020. My opinion is that they have a fantastic squad but they play as individuals and not as a team.
Qatar
Belgium were going into the 2022 FIFA World Cup with number one striker Lukaku injured. De Bruyne is still in his prime with been 31 but Belgium were pinning their World Cup hopes all on the Man City star. Centre defenders Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have both been exceptional especially under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur but are both short for pace with coming to the end of their careers. Eden Hazard scored 85 goals with Chelsea but it’s time for Belgium to go on without him as he has struggled since joining Real Madrid in 2019. Some of their stars were having pot shots at players in the media before hand which included De Bruyne saying “it was four years too late for Belgium.” My opinion is that there is unrest in the group if your star player is coming out with comments like that.
Matches
Belgium were absolutely terrible in their first 2022 World Cup group stage game against Canada. The pace of Alphonso Davies caused nightmares for Belgium defenders and they were very fortunate to win against Canada 1-0. Lukaku was back in the squad for Belgium’s second game against Morocco. Morocco were well drilled with outstanding defensive performances of both Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd. Belgium only had four shots on target but were outplayed and outclassed in losing 2-0 to Morocco. Belgium needed a result in their final group game against Croatia.
Final game
Lukaku came on for the second half but if you are fit to play 45 minutes then he should of started. Lukaku came close on multiple efforts but couldn’t find the back of the net. The game ended in a draw which meant Croatia went through in second place on five points and Morocco won the group on seven points. The end of the road for Belgium as they finished in third place and manager Roberto Martinez has left his role as manager. Lukaku is a handful but has failed in the Premier League over the years with both Chelsea and Man United. A lot of pressure and expectation on Belgium as golden generation but looks like they won’t ever be successful by winning a trophy at a major competition.
https://extratimetalk.com/the-end-of-the-road-for-belgiums-golden-generation/