3) Belgium flatter to deceive
Hailed as the most valuable side and also the highest ranked team heading into the tournament, expectations were running really high on Les Diables Rouges. Packed to the rafters with several stellar names, this Belgium side had the potential to go all the way in France, but their opening day defeat did little to suggest that.
Everton striker Romelu Lukaku cut a frustrated figure upfront, having little to no impact in the final third. The back four Laurent Ciman, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen were in no man’s land, whereas Premier League hotshots Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard were way too disappointing.
Marouane Fellaini was lacking his usual aerial prowess and the less we speak about Radja Nainngolan the better.
This simply wasn’t the Belgium side that everyone was talking about. Despite such a talented line-up, they were hardly impressive in their showings and are now left with an uphill task to come out of the group.
