Belgium's much-touted 'golden generation' finds itself in a precarious position at the World Cup, teetering on the brink of an early exit after failing to secure a win in their opening two matches. Draws against Egypt and Iran have left the Red Devils winless and questioning whether their star-studded line-up, once top of the world rankings, can produce one last significant run in a major tournament.
This current struggle mirrors their disappointing group stage departure in the 2022 World Cup. Key figures such as Kevin De Bruyne, 34, and Romelu Lukaku, 33, who have amassed over 1600 professional appearances between them, are widely expected to be competing in their final World Cup. The physical toll of their careers is becoming evident, with Lukaku notably battling injuries that have limited his club appearances for Napoli this season.
While Belgium ascended to the world number one ranking for much of the period between the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, a remarkable climb from 71st in 2007, their current squad reveals significant imbalances. Concerns over an ageing core, particularly in central defence, are prominent. The recent red card for Nathan Ngoy against Iran further exacerbated these defensive woes, highlighting a lack of depth and quality in a crucial area.
Despite the challenges, Belgium still possesses individual brilliance. De Bruyne's playmaking ability remains a vital asset, though his physical condition is a growing concern. Lukaku, with 90 international goals, holds Belgium's scoring record and will be looked upon to rediscover his prolific form to inspire a turnaround. However, the reliance on these veterans, coupled with a perceived shortage of elite talent on an upward trajectory outside of perhaps Jeremy Doku in attack, underscores the team's predicament.
The team's manager, Rudi Garcia, faces the unenviable task of galvanising a squad that, by De Bruyne's own admission, has made "silly mistakes" and is "not up to the task." Their upcoming match against New Zealand offers a chance for redemption, where a draw would likely be sufficient to navigate the group stage. Yet, the broader implications for Belgian football extend beyond this tournament, with questions arising about the next generation of talent and whether the nation can replicate the heights achieved by this current crop.
The absence of Thibaut Courtois, following a reported fallout with former manager Domenico Tedesco, further complicates matters, leaving a void that even promising young goalkeepers like Senne Lammens and Mike Penders may not be ready to fill immediately. This World Cup campaign feels like a final roll of the dice for a generation that, despite its immense talent and consistent high ranking, has yet to secure a major trophy.
Source: The Independent