World Cup 2018 Review: Belgium - 3 Best Performers

Finally, the Golden Generation did something right. Under the aegis of the much-maligned Roberto Martinez, Belgium played some of the best football in the tournament as they waltzed their way to a much deserved third place. Although carrying with it a tinge of disappointment - that of losing the semi to France - this is a feat that requires appreciation. Here we look at the 3 Red Devils who were most pivotal for Martinez this campaign

Note - This is part of a series that evaluates the three best performers of all the sides to have progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup; an achievement that is not often given the credit it deserves. While the intent is to have an objective selection and ranking process, it's quite natural that at times subjectivity creeps in. If you disagree - vehemently, or otherwise - with the names on this list, please feel free to jot down a top 3 of your own in the comments section below

---

#3 Thomas Meunier

Meunier scores the opener against England in the third-place playoff

Kevin De Bruyne was consistently good, Romelu Lukaku superb in flashes, Marouane Fellaini absolutely unplayable in two of the most important matches (the Japan cameo, and the Brazil main act) but in his absence during the semifinal, Thomas Meunier underlined just how important a cog he has been in Martinez's freewheeling, counter-attacking battering ram of a football unit.

The only natural fullback in the squad, Meunier's tireless running, superb defensive skills and keen eye for an attacking opportunity were sorely missed against the fortress France built up in front of Lloris' goal. He was excellent in all the matches he played - and his goal against England was nothing short of what he deserved for a brilliant tournament.

#2 Thibaut Courtois

Courtois dives, Courtois saves

After a rather shaky season with Chelsea, all eyes were on Thibaut Courtois as he strode out onto the biggest stage in the sporting world - but not one of those eyes would have found something to whine about.

Courtois was superb during the competition - hardly tested against Panama, Tunisia, or the England B side, good against Japan (couldn't do much about either of the two superlative Japanese strikes), absolutely world-class against a Brazil side that used his goal for incessant target practice, and superb against France.

Courtois' Brazil performance alone guarantees him a place in this list - but his assured presence throughout the tournament has to be taken special note of.

#1 Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard takes on the whole of England...

They asked him who should be the Golden Ball recipient after a stunning, man-of-the-match performance against England in the third place-off and his reply was as arrogantly self-assured as ever: "I would give that title to me"

He isn't far off though, 'cos, in all honesty, he probably deserves that shiny Golden trophy.

Yeah, Eden Hazard had a decent World Cup

Eden Hazard for Belgium at the 2018 World Cup:• Most duels won (77)• Most touches in opp. box (46)• Most take-ons (40)• Most fouls won (27)• Most shots (17)• Most assists (3)He was named FIFA Man of the Match in three of his six games. 😝 pic.twitter.com/7Mc3RICagG

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 14, 2018

(even though the Golden Ball might not go to him due to entirely different reasons altogether... as he himself said it... "But I do not get to choose. I think they will give it to someone playing the final." - do you feel he should win it this year?)