In an era dubbed the golden generation for Belgium, time is racing along but with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, it’s now or never for the Belgians.
Belgium started the Euros with a bang as they brushed aside Russia in a 3 nil victory with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice and is furthering his case as the best striker in the world. Kevin De Bruyne rejoined the team and scored the winner against Denmark showing on the biggest stage his world-class prowess.
It’s Now or Never for Belgium’s Golden Generation
Duo to Lead Belgium to Glory
Arguably the best duo in international football is De Bruyne and Lukaku at the moment. Also, a case can be made that they are the best players at their positions. Moreover, the De Bruyne and Lukaku linkup is lethal. The majority of 59 goals in his Belgian career have come off passes from De Bruyne. 59 goals in 78 appearances is astonishing.
Many football pundits believe Lukaku will be the EURO 2020 leading goal scorer. Without a doubt, he can carry Belgium to the title because of his goal-scoring prowess. Since his move to Inter Milan from Manchester United, Lukaku has shown his lethal prowess in front of goal and further development of his game.
De Bruyne steps up in big games. He scored against Brazil in the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals in a 2-1 victory. He is the game-changer they need.
A chance for redemption could happen if they play France in the knockout stage of the tournament. Clearly, France locked up Belgium’s forwards and midfielders in their 1-0 win in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Obviously, De Bruyne had limited chances to set up shots on goal in that game. The Manchester City star has shown it does not take long for him to make an impact. Proven in the game against Denmark, he came on in the second half accumulating an assist and goal, leading Belgium to a 2-1 victory in Copenhagen.
Belgium Need to Find the Old Eden Hazard
Ever since Eden Hazard moved from Chelsea to Real Madrid it’s been a huge disappointment. An international trophy for his country would be a change of fortune for Hazard. After all the misery he’s endured in Madrid. At some point in this tournament Hazard will be needed to deliver. His seven assists in Euro qualifying proves him setting up teammates is his biggest strength. Belgium’s depth in the midfield is remarkable with the likes of De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Dries Mertens and Yannick Carrasco. Some players just play better for their national team than their club team. Additionally, Hazard just seems to play with more joy with Belgium and inspires him to play well. Another example is how Gareth Bale has carried Wales to a berth in the Round of 16 and Paul Pogba’s vital role in France’s victory over Germany.
Belgium’s Competition
Italy and France have looked like the best teams in the Euros. Currently, Italy is on a 29 unbeaten streak and has not conceded a goal in almost 1,000 minutes. Roberto Mancini’s system is working flawlessly. One of Mancini’s philosophy is attacking and having fun.
Manuel Locatelli scored two goals versus Italy and his value is growing exponentially. Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne both are lethal strikers. Without a doubt the hottest team at the Euros.
Meanwhile, France, the defending World Cup champions, are even better. Karim Benzema is finally back with France after numerous years of being left out of the French squad. A front three of Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann puts fear into any team’s defense. Finally, N’Golo Kante is one of the best defensive midfielders in the game, the main reason France rarely concedes goals. A very balanced team and legit title threat.
It’s now or never for BelgiumI!
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