Key analysis: Is it one last dance for Belgium’s Golden Generation?

In the last World Cup, they had their best ever performance by finishing third and eliminating Brazil in the quarter finals, surpassing their previous best of fourth at 1986. However, they will struggle to replicate that success.

Belgium didn't have to endure a strong qualifying group and they took full advantage of that. They finished in first place, automatically qualifying for another World Cup. In eight matches, they won six and drew two, going undefeated. There scored 25 goals, leaking just six. 

However, their form has dipped slightly this year. In the UEFA Nations League, they finished second in their League A group behind their local rivals, the Netherlands, who beat them twice, home and away.

Strengths

There is no shortage of big names in the Belgium squad starting from the back with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (30), passing right through the lineup to Romelu Lukaku (29) up top. Eden Hazard (31) has struggled for any sort of playing time at Real, and has suffered with a number of injuries. But they know that if they can get a player who is somewhat close to his best, then they have one of the most talented creative players around. It is a big if though.  

However, Kevin De Bruyne (31) stands out above his peers as his side’s superstar. The Manchester City maestro is one of the best players in the world and his ability to find defense splitting passes will be decisive to their success in the tournament. His performances for City this season have been of the highest order, and his link up with Lukaku will need to be sharp from the off.

Key to Martinez’s system are the wingbacks. The Belgians have a few options in those positions with Thomas Meunier (31), Timothy Castagne (26), Thorgan Hazard (29) and Yannick Carrasco (29) all able to fill in on the flanks. The ability of these players to perform the demands of the wide roles will be key.

Weaknesses

The standout weak spot for Belgium is at the back, where stalwarts Toby Alderweireld (33) and Jan Vertonghen (35) are still filling in at center back in a back three alongside Zeno Debast, Wout Faes or perhaps Leander Dendoncker. 

The fact that these two defenders, who were once world-class, are still in the best XI shines a light on just how little competition there they have. Both players are on their last legs as professionals and they represent a real weakness in this once glittering team.

Ideal XI

3-4-3

Courtois - Debast, Alderweireld, Vertonghen - Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Carrasco - De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard

The width of all of Belgium’s attacks is very much going to come from the wing backs, which is why the role is such a tough one.They will be expected to bomb on and get crosses in the box, but also drop back and slot into a back five when defending.

This is because both De Bruyne and Hazard will take up more attacking midfield roles behind Lukaku. This is especially true of the former, who is likely to drop into deep positions to dictate the game, and weave his magic as almost a third central midfielder. This could leave Hazard alongside the striker at times.

Hottest contest

Lukaku is still not fully fit and may not feature in the first two games for Belgium, according to Martinez. In that case, there is a bit of competition for who comes in up top for the Red Devils. Fenerbahce striker Michy Batshuayi is likely to be next in line.

In the wider forward position, as previously mentioned, Hazard hasn’t been in favour for Real this season, but Martinez has still backed him. It remains to be seen whether he will be first choice for Belgium from the off, and there is some interesting competition in the form of Leandro Trossard (27) or even the lightning-quick Jeremy Doku (20).

Prediction

Belgium are widely tipped to qualify out of their group. They should have no problem picking up two wins in their group games, but Croatia represent the biggest hurdle. As a result, a second-place finish is not off the cards at all. Regardless of where they end up though, they are looking at a round of 16 tie with Spain or Germany, which would cause them all sorts of problems.

Time has worn this Belgian team down to a slightly less threatening version of the one that appeared in Russia. A round of 16 exit would genuinely come as no surprise.