The story of Belgium’s golden generation started with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Their opponent in the quarter-finals was Argentina. Solid defense on both sides. Messi-Lavezzi-Higuain on one side, Origi-Aden Hazard-De Bruyne on the other side are taking shots. But only Higuain could break the Belgian defense.
Although the goal came through a bit of luck, a goal is a goal. The only goal in the 9th minute was the farewell bell for Belgium. The 2018 Russia World Cup was Belgium’s golden opportunity to win the title.
All the members of the Golden Generation were at that age when a football player’s mental and physical aspects come into balance. This ‘Golden Generation’ played a total of three World Cups, two Nations Cups, and two Euros, including the Qatar World Cup.
But their achievements are completely empty. De Bruyne himself said that day this team was completely old. But he did not say anything wrong. Many of the young generation who started the Belgium dream is at the end of their careers.
Eden Hazard suddenly retired at the end of the World Cup journey. The golden age was over, but nothing was won. Romelu Lukaku was also relied upon.
He was on the bench for the Croatia match but was brought off by Roberto Martinez in the second half as the team struggled to find a goal. A goal for the Croats would have reversed the fortunes of the dice.
There, the Red Devil fans in the gallery, watching Lukaku’s goal miss rehearsal. Belgium currently lacks players who can take forward Belgian football in the future. In fact, the day that went to Belgium, maybe completely gone. For now, there are a lot of regrets. Regret about a ‘Golden Generation.