Belgium’s lineup in their 2-1 victory over Algeria during the opening group game of the 2014 World Cup looked like a fantasy all-star side made up of players at the peak of their powers.
The starting eleven included Courtois, De Bruyne, Witsel and Lukaku, alongside Eden Hazard, Mousa Dembele and Vincent Kompany, while Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini were introduced from the bench.
In their first World Cup appearance since 2002, Belgium won their group and advanced to the quarter‑finals, then went a step further by reaching the semi‑finals in 2018 and claiming victory in the third‑place match.
That same group of players made the last eight at both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, before being knocked out in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Detractors say such a gifted collection of individuals should have achieved more, yet for a nation of fewer than 12 million people, was international glory ever a truly realistic target?
“To be called a golden generation you have to win something golden,” said Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.
“It has raised expectations enormously in Belgium and it’s fascinating how people reflect on that set of players, because with Lukaku, De Bruyne, Tielemans and Trossard they have actually had a significant run.
“They finished third at the last World Cup and that seems to have been forgotten under Roberto Martinez. I’m not sure what more you could realistically demand.
“In the context of other sides—an England team that went through a golden age, an Italy side with such pedigree that managed a marvellous European Championship, with Spain on the rise too—to expect Belgium to win is perhaps asking a little too much.”
Along with those famous names, Leandro Trossard (31), Brandon Mechele (33), Timothy Castagne (33), Hans Vanaken (33) and Thomas Meunier (34) have likely played their last minutes at a World Cup.
“I feel for those who may not return to the national team,” manager Rudi Garcia said after the match.
“I took charge of a team I wanted to guide as far as possible. My veteran players, some of whom are possibly on their way out, so they could have one final hurrah.
“It’s a pity because I think everyone deserves to go deep in this World Cup.”
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