First in the FIFA world rankings, Belgium dreams of winning a big trophy with its golden generation. The Red Devils have a real card to play at Euro 2021, led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who are in top form. Sacred with Manchester City and Inter Milan respectively, they will be keen to lead their selection on the roof of Europe.
Third in the 2018 World Cup, Belgium have shown they can compete with the best. With ten wins in ten games, 40 goals scored and 3 goals conceded, Roberto Martínez’s men dominated their qualifying group head and shoulders. They end up with the best attack but also the best playoff defense.
Belgium finished well ahead of their qualifying group and won all their matches. © Google Screenshots
past competition
Belgium, who reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, suffered a crushing defeat to France (1-0). Thibaut Courtois’s teammates have long believed they could reach the final, before losing by the narrowest margin against their neighboring world champions.
In Russia, the Red Devils presented themselves twice the skull of England. His main achievement is being among the candidates for the final victory in the quarter-finals of Brazil (2-1).
Kevin De Bruyne, Captain and Maestro
Pep Guardiola’s playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is at the top of his game at Manchester City, where he won his third English league title. At 29, he is the boss of the Mancunian midfield, directing all operations.
The first launching pad at the nationals, “KDB”, is also a pleasure to be selected, where he took the lead in the absence of Eden Hazard. Hit in the left orbit and nose in the Champions League final, he survives the operation and will be present with the Red Devils.
Red Devils captain Kevin De Bruyne. © AFP
Roberto Martinez, Belgium’s Renewal Symbol
As head of the Red Devils since 2016, Roberto Martinez has spent most of his coaching career in the United Kingdom (Swansea, Wigan and Everton). Since his arrival in the flat country, the 47-year-old Spaniard has conquered Belgian supporters.
Renowned as a very diligent worker, Mark Wilmots’ replacement achieved excellent results, but was also impressed by the quality of the play deployed. Roberto Martinez was rewarded with a contract extension until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Roberto Martinez has been at the helm of Belgium since August 2016. © AFP
players to watch
Among the players to watch out for in Belgium, Romelu Lukaku is a real goal machine at Inter Milan this season. Holy champion of Italy, he shines at the age of 27 under the command of Antonio Conte. A change that can also be explained by a more personalized follow-up, especially by a nutritionist. This is how Romelu Lukaku has given up eating pineapple pizza.
Another great player, Youri Tielemans was one of the great architects of Leicester’s outstanding season in the Premier League. Axel Vitsel’s injury allowed him to establish himself as a selection holder in the eyes of Roberto Martinez. His failed trip to Monaco now seems far-fetched.
Romelu Lukaku is coming off a big season with Inter, the Italian champions. © AFP
Almanac
Belgium will have the distinction of having two real away matches during the day, as they face Denmark in Copenhagen and Russia in St Petersburg.
June 12 in St. Petersburg (Russia) : Belgium – Russia at 9 pm.
June 17 in Copenhagen (Denmark) : Denmark – Belgium 6 pm.
June 21 in St. Petersburg (Russia) : Finland – Belgium 6 pm.
