Belgium's well-stocked, mature squad making most of 'Golden Generation' tag in World Cup run

Sport360 staff 20:22 07/07/2018
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  • Belgium's well-rounded squad has taken the World Cup by storm.

    Belgium went from dark horses to true World Cup contenders after beating Brazil on Friday to reach the semi-final of the tournament for just the second time in their history.

    Their ‘golden generation’ of talent, which includes players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, was struggling to shake off the tag of perennial underachievers after exiting at the quarter-final stage at the 2014 World Cup and, even more disappointingly, at Euro 2016 when they lost to Wales.

    However, after beating five-time winners Brazil, they now have their best opportunity to win an international tournament, although they face a similarly emerging France team in the semi-final on Tuesday.

    Here’s a look at how well-stocked Belgium are in every area of their squad.

    GOALKEEPER ONE OF THE BEST

    Chelsea goalkeeper Courtois, who stands at a mammoth 6ft 6in, showed what an advantage that frame is when he pulled off a stunning save to deny Neymar an injury-time equaliser on Friday.

    “I know Neymar likes to curl it that way. I was ready and made a good save,” said Courtois. “I have been unfairly criticised a lot this year. Today I proved again who I am and why I am here.”

    Courtois has a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but his standing has taken a slight hit in recent seasons, as he alluded to. This is still a player who’s won two Premier League titles with Chelsea and a La Liga trophy with Atletico Madrid.

    His nine-save display against Brazil was the latest in a string of strong showings this summer that has restored his reputation.

    Courtois has been in superb form at the World Cup.

    Courtois has been in superb form at the World Cup.

    VETERAN DEFENCE’S FINAL STAND?

    Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen were two of the first Belgian talents to make a name for themselves in the Premier League, but both 32-year-olds had to struggle through injuries just to be in the squad for this summer.

    Toby Alderweireld and Tottenham teammate Jan Vertonghen were hailed as the best centre-back pairing in England, but Alderweireld is another who’s had injury problems threaten to derail his career.

    The two must also contend with advancing age, with Vertonghen 31 and Alderweireld 29.

    Belgium’s defence is thus a double-edged sword, with plenty of experience, but also vulnerable to being exposed by the pace of someone like France’s Kylian Mbappe, who they will face on Tuesday.

    Belgium's veteran defence is finally making a mark on the international stage.

    Belgium’s veteran defence is finally making a mark on the international stage.

    MASTERFUL MIDFIELD

    Belgium manager Roberto Martinez had faced criticism for not getting the best out of De Bruyne, who’s coming off a superlative season for Manchester City, earlier in the tournament, but he answered that with a brave tactical switch against Brazil.

    Martinez pushed De Bruyne further forward from his regular deep-lying midfield role, deploying him as a false nine with Manchester United‘s Marouane Fellaini taking up De Bruyne’s usual position. It worked perfectly as the Man City man scored Belgium’s second, the goal that proved to be the winner.

    Meanwhile, captain Hazard has delivered a brilliant performance in just about every game, and his stellar showing against Brazil came after he played a key role in the comeback against Japan, where he supplied the cross for Fellaini’s equaliser as they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

    On Friday, as wave after wave of Brazilian attack began to tire Belgium out in the second half, Hazard led the charge for his side, bringing the ball out and going on surging runs upfield to relieve the pressure on his defence. It was a sign of his growing maturity – a trait mirrored by the rest of his side.

    Hazard and De Bruyne have been the leading lights for Belgium.

    Hazard and De Bruyne have been the leading lights for Belgium.

    MORE TO LUKAKU THAN JUST GOALS

    Lukaku is two goals behind England’s Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race for the World Cup, but he’s shown in Russia that there’s more to his game than just scoring.

    His run off the ball and dummy set up Belgium’s winner against Japan, while his work for De Bruyne’s goal against Brazil was just as impressive, as he ran with the ball from the halfway line, brushed off the attention of Brazil’s midfielders, and then set his teammate up to power home a decisive goal.

    Both moments show how Lukaku is quickly becoming a more well-rounded, complete player.

    Lukaku has shown there's much more to his game than goals.

    Lukaku has shown there’s much more to his game than goals.

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