Romelu Lukaku Reflects on Belgium’s 2018 World Cup Loss to France and Emphasizes His Competitive Nature

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Lukaku Laments Lost possibility,Calls for Shift in Belgian Football Mentality

Brussels,Belgium – In a remarkably frank assessment,prominent footballer romelu Lukaku has openly discussed his career,the performance of the Belgian national team,and the critical need for a change in mindset. The comments surfaced during a recent in-depth interview conducted as part of a special 20-year retrospective.

Assessing Two Decades of Football Greatness

when asked to identify the most impactful players of the last two decades, Lukaku bestowed high praise on both Lionel Messi and Cristiano ronaldo, acknowledging their extraordinary talents and expressing deep respect for their achievements. He further highlighted Pep Guardiola as the standout coach of the same period, placing him ahead of Antonio conte.

However, it was his selection of Moussa dembélé as the most talented Belgian player over the past 20 years that generated considerable discussion. Lukaku passionately argued that Dembélé’s potential was never fully realized, lamenting his failure to join a top-tier club. He stated that a move to a bigger platform would have allowed Dembélé to reach a level of recognition commensurate with his abilities. “If you have him in your team, you already know that you are going to win,” Lukaku asserted.

The Weight of Regret: The 2018 World Cup

The most poignant moment of the interview centered on Lukaku’s biggest regret of the last two decades: the Belgian team’s semi-final defeat to France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He firmly believes Belgium should have secured the victory, attributing the loss to a critical oversight in preparation – a lack of focus on defending set pieces.

“We had to go and get that cup,” Lukaku stated emphatically. He specifically pointed to the goal conceded from a corner kick, scored by Samuel Umtiti, as a direct outcome of this deficiency. He emphasized his commitment to honesty, stating he wouldn’t shy away from stating the unvarnished truth.

Lukaku extended this critique to matches against other footballing powerhouses, including France, the Netherlands, and Germany. He observed a pattern where Belgium’s victories stemmed from displays of fierce determination and passion, exemplified by their success against Brazil in the same World Cup tournament.

The Missing Ingredient: Pride and Passion

Lukaku believes a crucial element is missing from Belgian football: a strong sense of national pride.He indicated the importance of adopting the mentality of other accomplished Belgian athletes, drawing inspiration from the Belgian Cats basketball team, the national hockey team, and athlete nafissatou Thiam.

“In football, in our training, it is this pride that is missing,” he stated. He even suggested that a degree of controlled aggression – “hatred” – on the field could be a positive force, fueling a more competitive and assertive approach.

Aspect	Lukaku’s Assessment
Best Player (Last 20 Years)	Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo (Joint)
Best Coach (Last 20 years)	Pep Guardiola
Most Talented Belgian Player	Moussa Dembélé
Biggest Regret	2018 World Cup Semi-Final Loss

The importance of a strong team mentality is a recurring theme in successful sports teams worldwide. Research published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology demonstrates that collective efficacy – a team’s shared belief in its ability to succeed – is a significant predictor of performance.Lukaku’s call for greater pride aligns with this concept, suggesting that Belgium needs to foster a stronger belief in its own capabilities.

did You Know? Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’ of footballers, including Lukaku, Eden Hazard, and Kevin De Bruyne, has consistently ranked among the top teams in the world, but has yet to secure a major international trophy.

Pro Tip: Building team pride often involves celebrating successes, fostering open communication, and creating a shared sense of purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Romelu Lukaku and Belgian Football

• What did Romelu Lukaku say about Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo? Lukaku expressed deep respect for both players,acknowledging them as the best of the last 20 years.
• what is Lukaku’s biggest regret as a footballer? He laments the Belgian team’s failure to win the 2018 World Cup.
• Who did Lukaku identify as the most talented Belgian player? He believes Moussa Dembélé possessed exceptional talent that was never fully developed.
• What change does Lukaku want to see in Belgian football? He believes the national team needs to cultivate a greater sense of pride and passion.
• Why does Lukaku think Belgium lost to France in 2018? He attributes the defeat to a lack of preparation for defending set pieces.

What are your thoughts on Lukaku’s assessment of the Belgian team? Do you agree that pride is a missing ingredient for success? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How has Romelu Lukaku’s understanding of tactical elements of the game evolved since the 2018 World Cup, and how does this contribute to his current performance with Napoli?

The Sting of Saint Petersburg: Revisiting the 2018 Semi-Final

Romelu Lukaku, now at SSC Napoli following a €30 million transfer (as of September 2nd, 2025, according to Sky Sports), continues to be a dominant force in football. However, the shadow of past defeats, particularly Belgium’s 1-0 loss to France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final, still resonates with the striker. Lukaku has frequently spoken about the match, not with bitterness, but with a raw, honest assessment of what could have been and a fierce determination to avoid repeating such experiences. This game, played in Saint Petersburg, remains a pivotal moment in the “Red Devils'” golden generation.

Analyzing the Tactical Battle: France vs. Belgium

The 2018 semi-final wasn’t simply a game lost; it was a tactical masterclass by Didier Deschamps’ France against a Belgium side many considered favorites.

France’s Defensive Solidity: France’s disciplined defensive structure, anchored by Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti, effectively neutralized Lukaku’s threat. They limited his space and physical dominance, forcing him into less impactful areas.

Belgium’s Counter-Attack Reliance: Belgium, while possessing astounding attacking talent – including Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne – often relied on counter-attacks. france’s controlled possession stifled this approach.

The Set-Piece Decider: The match was decided by a Samuel Umtiti header from a corner. Belgium’s vulnerability on set-pieces proved costly. Lukaku himself has acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings in that area.

Lukaku’s Individual Performance: While not ineffective, Lukaku was largely contained. He faced a physically imposing defense and struggled to find the space needed to exploit his pace and power. Post-match analysis highlighted the need for better service to the striker.

Lukaku’s Personal Reflection: A Drive for Constant Improvement

Lukaku’s reflections on the 2018 World Cup aren’t focused on blame, but on self-improvement. He’s consistently emphasized the importance of analyzing failures to fuel future success.

The Importance of Physicality: Lukaku has spoken extensively about refining his physical conditioning, adding agility and explosiveness to complement his already considerable strength. He believes this is crucial for overcoming physically dominant defenders, like those he faced against France.

Refining Finishing: The striker has dedicated countless hours to improving his finishing, working on precision and composure in front of goal. He understands that opportunities at the highest level are often limited, and capitalizing on them is paramount.

Tactical Awareness: Lukaku has actively sought to enhance his tactical understanding of the game, studying different formations and defensive strategies. This allows him to anticipate movements and make more clever runs.

Mental Fortitude: perhaps the most meaningful aspect of Lukaku’s progress has been his mental fortitude. He’s learned to embrace pressure and maintain focus even in the most challenging situations. He credits sports psychology for helping him develop this resilience.

The Competitive Edge: Beyond Goals and Assists

Lukaku’s competitive nature extends far beyond simply scoring goals.It’s a fundamental part of his personality, driving him to constantly push his limits.

Training Ground Intensity: Teammates have consistently praised Lukaku’s intensity in training. He demands the best from himself and those around him, creating a highly competitive habitat.

Relentless Pursuit of Perfection: Lukaku is known for his meticulous attention to detail, constantly analyzing his performances and identifying areas for improvement.

Leadership Qualities: While not always the most vocal leader, Lukaku leads by example, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic and dedication.

transfer History & Motivation: Lukaku’s career has seen moves to several top clubs – Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and now Napoli. Each transfer seems to be fueled by a desire to prove himself at the highest level and win major trophies. His recent move to Napoli, highlighted by his transfer fee reaching a cumulative €369 million in career transfers, demonstrates his continued market value and ambition.

The Legacy of 2018: shaping Future Performances

The 2018 World Cup loss serves as a constant reminder for Lukaku. It’s a lesson learned, a source of motivation, and a driving force behind his relentless pursuit of excellence. His current form with Napoli, and his continued dedication to improvement, suggest that he’s determined to translate those lessons into tangible success, both individually and with his team. The competitive fire ignited in Saint Petersburg continues to burn brightly.