Will Belgium be underwhelming once again?

For the past few years, we have seen a resurgence from the Belgian national team. Coaching has improved, players have improved, and there is definitely a much bigger fan base than before. However, a team with so many stars ought to be having more success in major tournaments than Belgium currently are.

Without wanting to speculate about rosters until the actual squad is announced, Belgium are unquestionably one of the strongest sides heading into the tournament in June. The list of talented individuals is seemingly endless, even with some star players in their domestic league showing great prowess. They have an outstanding defensive unit, hardworking midfielders, and players who can score goals. However this was also the case in Euro 2016, and even a few tournaments preceding that. So why can’t they win?

Belgium were in pot 1 for the draw for Russia, thumping many group stage qualifier opponents and rising the rankings quickly. This meant that they avoided many top teams like Brazil and neighbors Germany. This is good for them, as it gives them more of a chance to progress from their group as winners rather than runners up, who often end up facing a top side in the first round of the knockout stage. Despite this, success won’t be easy in Russia, simply due to the unpredictability of the game, and how many teams there are in attendance with star players who can influence games, along with those nations that work hard and run opponents into the ground.

In previous tournaments, one could say that Belgium’s group drawing was unfavorable, or that their roster wasn’t as talented. However one thing that was a big game changer was a lack of a truly great coach. In the past, coaches seemingly couldn’t decide on the best formation or the best lineup, with coach Robert Wasiege in the 2000s quoted to have said that he would leave talent on the bench or even at home to keep his favorite formation. It is attitudes and indecisiveness such as this that will cost any team, regardless of ability, results at the highest level. This time around however, Belgium do have another dimension to their team; Coach Roberto Martinez. Having managed successful teams in the Premier League, often teams without any notable star man, Martinez has at his disposal a great arsenal of weaponry. He must balance the squad with players who will put on a defensive masterclass, with those who will go out and score goals to win games. Coach Martinez is also a world class tactician, guiding his Swansea City and Everton teams to major trophies at his time at the helm. This grit and desire to win may just be the little extra that Belgium have been lacking in the last few years. Will it be enough to get them over the line?

Now more than ever, Belgium have a chance for success. Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Jan Vertonghen will all be hoping for a good run at the tournament. Anything other than a semi final appearance will surely be deemed a disappointment. Only time will tell whether the Belgian dream will become a reality.