Belgium’s famed Golden Generation went out with a whimper at the World Cup 2022. The Belgians bombed out in the group stage, the first time they had done so in a major tournament since 2002.
So what exactly went wrong for the Red Devils, who had reached at least the quarter-finals of each of their last four major tournaments?
Read on below as SBOTOP examines the key factors and the main players responsible for Belgium’s early exit in Qatar.
The Golden Generation grew too old
There was quite a bit of concern about Belgium coming into the tournament, and most of it was due to their age.
Their Golden Generation had simply grown old. Centre-backs Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen were both in their mid-30s, as was mini-goal machine Dries Mertens. Midfielders Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard were also over 30 and have suffered significant injuries which have significantly compromised them physically.
Those players composed the spine of their successful teams over the last few years, so their drop-off due to age was obviously a huge blow for the Belgians.
The decline of Eden Hazard, who was once one of the most electric playmakers in all of Europe, has been particularly sad to watch. Injuries have decimated the 31-year-old Belgium skipper, who failed to make any impact whatsoever in Qatar.
The Belgians simply looked painfully slow throughout the tournament, and given the collective age of this team, it’s not hard to imagine that their old legs just couldn’t run like they used to.
Courtois, De Bruyne and Lukaku far from their best
But even as their Golden Generation has grown old, the World Cup 2022 odds still gave the Belgians a decent chance since they still had a trio of stars in Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku, who were still capable of playing at a high level.
But even they were not quite at their best in Qatar. Courtois played the closest to his potential as he made some fine saves (including a penalty) and kept two clean sheets. But he also committed an error which led to one of the two goals he conceded.
As for Lukaku, he was still dealing with a hamstring injury that has plagued him for most of the season and was clearly not 100 per cent. He finally looked much better in the second half of their must-win match against Croatia as he had five shots and was unlucky to hit the post.
Clearly, not having Lukaku fit to lead the line was a major blow to Belgium, especially with Michy Batshuayi, Dries Mertens and Leandro Trossard proving to be poor alternatives.
But without question the most disappointing performer was De Bruyne, whom the team was counting on to lift them with Lukaku limping. Yes, De Bruyne still led the team in shots (7) and actually led the tournament in through balls (4). But the impact he normally had on games while playing for Man City was simply not there in Qatar.
There were rumblings that all was not well within Belgium’s locker room, with De Bruyne reportedly involved in a row with Jan Vertonghen and Hazard. Whatever was going on within the team, it was clear that De Bruyne had a disappointing World Cup, which was a decisive factor in Belgium’s downfall.
The next generation not quite good enough
For all the hand-wringing about De Bruyne and the ageing Golden Generation, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez still had a talented squad with younger players waiting in the wings. Unfortunately, none of the other members of Belgium’s next generation made much of an impact throughout the tournament.
Premier League stars Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard had mostly forgettable tournaments despite the fact that they featured in all three games. Trossard’s failure to perform was particularly disappointing given his fine form with Brighton; he did not register a single shot in his 103 minutes of playing time, while a half-fit Lukaku had five in a single half against Croatia.
Young Belgian golden boy Charles De Ketelaere did not get much of a look-in, although that was understandable given his poor form at Milan. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Jeremy Doku, who is one of the very few Belgians who had actual pace to threaten opposing defences, will be disappointed he did not get more opportunities.
In the end, Belgium’s early exit was a team failure. So while most of the criticism is being thrown at the Golden Generation, everyone deserves a bit of blame for what was a disastrous World Cup 2022. And unfortunately, it seems like it will take a significant rebuild for Belgium to return to the top anytime soon.
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