Analysis: Can Belgium finally integrate as a team?
As far as Belgian football goes, their harshly succinct cliché is that an abundance of supreme players cannot come together as a coherent unit.
On initial viewing, the likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois look destined to rule on the international stage. Every top player strives to produce for their country, especially after establishing themselves at club level. For Belgium, it is far easier said than done.
Four years ago, Belgium qualified for their first World Cup since 2002. It was the first time their supposed ‘golden generation’ harmonised at a major competition. The Belgians reached the quarter finals – a respectable performance – but were anticipated to improve and flourish at Euro 2016 as the likes of Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne continued to prosper.
They were dumped out at the quarter finals again.
It is difficult to base a squad solely on how they shape up on paper, but it is also tough to admit that Belgium are progressing as a footballing nation considering the immense crop of talent on their ranks.
And that is why this is World Cup is pivotal. They have to justify their lofty world ranking. Although the rankings are often criticised, making the significant step to world class is crucial.
Having big names isn’t enough
A healthy amount of stardust has blessed Belgium in recent years. Alongside the leading lights of Hazard, de Bruyne and Lukaku, more elusive talent such as Yannick Carrasco, Axel Witsel and Michy Batshuayi give the Red Devils further reinforcements.
The majority of the signs point to a national team en route to a decorated future. Players proven in the world’s best leagues, a team with a number of accolades and a squad strength in depth can all be attached to Belgium, however Roberto Martinez cannot yet boast that.
A distinctive coherence, best utilised by world champions Germany, is critical for international success and Belgium seem to be lacking crucial maturity, as well as unity in a side packed with stars.
And, as the heading suggests, merely having a squad peppered with the world’s prime names is one thing, but watching them fuse to form a single, fruitful component is an entirely different trait.
Quarter final curse cannot remain
This has to be the year Belgium emerge from their final eight hoodoo. The Red Devils haven’t advanced past the quarter final stage since 1980 – before many of their modern batch were even born.
It has been a long and frustrating wait to see Belgium become the powerhouse their fans want, and the ship could well sail should they falter on the defining stage once again.
Reaching the quarters of the 2014 World Cup was an achievement. Their principal men were just beginning to rise to prominence, and an auspicious era had just begun. Four years have passed since then, though, and patience is surely beginning to run thin.
Belgium should have a straightforward route to the knockout stages, with minnows Tunisia and Panama unlikely to cause them many problems.
From there it is a familiar passage, until the unprecedented boundaries of the semi-finals that must serve as Martinez’s minimum.
Yet another incredibly competitive tournament including Brazil, Germany, Spain, France and Argentina means it will be difficult to materialise as a favourite.
But such is the pressure on Belgium they need to prove themselves to be one of those household names, and a nation that is associated with success and illustriousness.
Next: Which policy will Florentino Perez adopt to appoint new manager?
This is their time to shine. How far do you think Belgium will go in this World Cup?