(Reuters) – Belgium threatened a major trophy success over the last decade with a ‘golden generation’ of players but proved unable to live up to expectations.
Now the tag is no longer applicable, and the pressure to succeed significantly lightened, this could be the tournament for the team from the lowlands to emerge from the shadows and finally win the European Championship.
The burden of being the top team in the FIFA rankings for some three years sat uncomfortably on the squad and their quarter-final exit at the last Euros was a huge disappointment.
That was exacerbated by a disastrous World Cup in Qatar two years ago but might prove a blessing in disguise as a fresher side have emerged for the 2024 finals in Germany.
While Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens and Axel Witsel are among those who have departed the squad, talisman Kevin De Bruyne remains to lead a team of much potential in Group E where they take on Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine.
They open their campaign in Frankfurt against Slovakia on June 17 and will be expected to advance from the first round without much bother.
Under their Italian-born, German-raised coach Domenico Tedesco, Belgium went unbeaten as they topped their qualifying group with six victories and two draws, finishing a point ahead of fellow qualifiers Austria.
“This group loves each other and that makes me feel very good,” the coach said. “Both the young and experienced players are really hungry. That is very important.”
BUST UP
Tedesco has already signed a contract extension on the back of the qualifying performances, despite a bust-up with Thibaut Courtois that is likely to see the Real Madrid goalkeeper miss out on the tournament.
Courtois walked out on the squad after being overlooked for the captaincy last June, then suffered a knee injury that kept him sidelined for nine months. Although he has returned to action for the Spanish champions, it is unlikely Tedesco will pick him for Germany.
Midfielder De Bruyne will be the on-field leader, along with veteran centre back Jan Vertonghen, still going strong at 37 years old and with a record 154 caps.
Belgium’s record scorer is Romelu Lukaku, who will lead the attack in Germany. His return of 83 goals in 114 internationals is extraordinary and in contrast to some of his past club form.
“Not only is he very strong mentally but he also ensures the cohesion of the group and ensures that the young players integrate well. Romelu is our glue,” said Tedesco.
The attack will also rely on the dribbling skills of Jeremy Doku while Johan Bakayoko and Lois Openda have shown potential in attack. Midfielders Charles De Ketelaere and Amadou Onana have also freshened up the line-up over the past two years.
Belgium are unbeaten in 12 games since Tedesco replaced Roberto Martinez, their last match being a 2-2 draw at Wembley against England in a friendly international in March.
They have home warm-up matches against Montenegro and neighbours Luxembourg before heading to Germany.
The Belgians were runners-up to West Germany in 1980 in Rome in their best showing at the European Championship. They were quarter-finalists at Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Source Agencies
