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Is the golden generation of Belgium any good?
Four years ago at the 2014 World Cup, the Belgium team with almost the same players as this year lost in the quarter-finals against Argentina. Fast forward two years, they lost again at the hands of Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. The golden generation faltering again they said. While this year, with just a step away from their first World Cup final, they faltered again against France. They did go a step further this time around, but for how much longer?
The defeat against France will probably produce mixed feelings of sadness and pride for the Belgian fans. Sadness, because with all their abilities and the promise that the Belgium football team showed in this World Cup, faltered again. And pride because of the fact that they have reached the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time since in a long time. But they will also bemoan a missed opportunity for their golden generation.
The high quality players on display in the World Cup did not disappoint during most stages in the tournament. Both Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were simply splendid against very good teams. But at the same time, these star players will know that they don’t have much time on their hands. After winning impressively against the mighty Brazilians, it looked as though they might be about to deliver on its immense promise. But France came in their way. As for a nation as promising as Belgium, the window of opportunity for this golden generation to win at something is low. While winning the next major tournament will be prioritised, the next World Cup will probably be the last chance for many of their current golden generation stars.
