With Romelu Lukaku (29), Yannick Carrasco (29), Thibaut Courtois (30), Kevin De Bruyne (31), Eden Hazard (31), Axel Witel (33), Toby Alderweireld (33) , Dries Mertens (35) or Jan Vertonghen (35), Belgium retains a backbone that has been well known for almost a decade. An advantage when playing a fourteenth World Cup for the Red Devils. A disadvantage since all these beautiful people are generally aging and the golden generation seems to be coming to the end of the course. Finalist of Euro 1980 and fourth of the 1986 World Cup, Belgium found, almost 25 years later, hope with the advent of a new promising generation.
A dynamic at half mast
Returning to the World Cup in 2014 after a 12-year absence from all European competitions, Belgium regained ambitions with a quarter-final loss to Argentina (1-0). A course similar to the Euro to follow with a disappointment against Wales in the quarter-finals (3-1) and above all a great epic in 2018 with a third place acquired after a nice tournament. However, this 2018 World Cup had a special flavor for Roberto Martinez’s band. With players in good shape, a brilliant course and a perfectly established style of play, Belgium had reached their peak without managing to obtain a reward that lived up to expectations. Absent from the final four of the 2019 Nations League then quarter-finalist of Euro 2020, it was a losing Belgium who finished fourth in the 2021 Nations League.
The Red Devils also missed out on the Final Four in 2023 after finishing second in the pools behind the Netherlands. Recent results in regression which leave room for doubt, especially since the current dynamic does not invite confidence. If in goal, Thibaut Courtois remains very efficient, the defense remains experimental. On the one hand, veterans Jan Vertonghen (35) and Toby Alderweireld (33) have the experience, but are regressing physically, on the other Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast and Leander Dendoncker provide few guarantees. If the midfield is rather solid with Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken or Axel Witsel for the double pivot and that the roles of pistons are filled, in front of the doubts are numerous, especially for two major executives.
Frames in bad shape
At the forefront of the attack first, Romelu Lukaku worried. The striker on loan from Chelsea has not played since October 29 for the club and has only played 29 minutes since August. Absent against Egypt last Friday, he should miss the first match of the competition against Canada. “Victim of a new relapse during Inter’s match against Sampdoria on Saturday, Romelu Lukaku (29) is starting a race against time to be able to play in the World Cup. It seems ruled out that he could be ready for the first game, against Canada, on November 23. On the other hand, the objective is Belgium – Morocco on Sunday, November 27 or possibly Belgium – Croatia on December 1” explained the last hour at the beginning of the month. If it seems to stick, the Red Devils will have to learn to live without their top scorer (68 goals in 102 caps).
In addition to “Big Rom”, Belgium must deal with the uncertainties of Eden Hazard. Aged 31 and plagued by injuries, the native of La Louvière only played 6 match ends for 1 goal and 1 offering with Real Madrid. A weak contribution for the former Lille player who remains ambitious despite everything if he is aware that his team and himself are on the downward slope : “We were at our peak in 2018. Me, I play a little less, Lukaku has been faced with injuries, our defense has aged, but everyone wants to show that we can still count on Belgium.” He wouldn’t be surprised if he suffered a downgrade: “If you talk about Leandro (Trossard), he is having a superb season. He deserves more than me to play. As long as there is a good relationship, it will be beneficial. Sometimes, we put a captain on the bench, but not all the time, you have to ask him (smiles). We can play together. The coach will make his choices. We will accept it. If I was a coach, I put myself on the field. It wouldn’t be deserved on what I’ve done for the past two years. Over the past fifteen years, yes. I understand people’s doubts.
An embarrassing defeat against Egypt
Romelu Lukaku uncertain, Eden Hazard far from his best level, the offensive sector will depend mainly on Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City midfielder is in good shape this season (3 goals and 13 offerings in 19 matches) and his contribution to the selection has continued to grow while that of Eden Hazard has fallen at the same time. A great Belgian performance during this World Cup in Qatar will depend a lot on Kevin De Bruyne’s form. Collective harmony will also be very important. And this takes a long time to arrive. Challenging Egypt in preparation ahead of the competition last Friday, Belgium lost 2-1 and did not dispel doubts.
However, coach Roberto Martinez wanted to be measured even if he was disappointed with the performance of his men: “It was a friendly match, it was not a World Cup match. We were to use it as a preparatory meeting. A defeat is obviously a disappointment given the overall performance. Egypt deserve to win. I am not happy with our performance. We have been preparing for a long time, it was an important moment to deliver a good meeting. Defying Canada this Wednesday at 8 p.m.Belgium moves forward in the blur despite its stars for this 2022 World Cup.