Preface
When Belgium lost 0-1 to France in the 1/8 finals of Euro 2024, central defender Vertonghen unfortunately sent an own goal, which was not only a defeat in one game, but the end of a generation of golden teams.
Why did this team, which had a brilliant record at the 2018 World Cup, fail in recent tournaments? As key players enter the twilight of their careers, does this mark the end of Belgium's golden generation?
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Over the past decade, Belgium has become a force to be reckoned with in world football thanks to a golden generation of players.
De Bruyne is the commander of the midfield, known for his precise passing and tactical insight; Romelu Lukaku, on the other hand, is an invincible force up front, and his pace and power make him a nightmare for opposition defences.
Eden Hazard was the heart and soul of Chelsea, known for his keen ability to break through and possess the ball.
Thibaut Courtois, on the other hand, is a rock-solid presence at the back, with the impressive performances of these players bringing glory to the Belgian side.
As the years go by, the physical condition and level of competition of these players inevitably suffers.
Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku still play an important role at their respective clubs, but their dominance on the pitch has diminished as they age.
The likes of Vertonghen, Meunier and Witsel are nearing or reaching the end of their careers, which poses a serious test of the team's overall quality.
In the group stage of this European Championship, the Belgian team did not perform as well as it should.
Despite their strong squad, the team's performance in the actual game was a bit lacking.
They only won one game and the other matches were not as good as they could have been.
Especially against weaker opponents, the team has problems with efficiency on the offensive end and consistency on the defensive end.
Although it was difficult to qualify in the end, the team's form and morale were greatly affected.
Facing the French team, which also did not perform well in the group stage, the Belgian team was almost passive in the 1/8 finals.
The French team showed their strong attacking ability and tight defensive system, putting Belgium under tremendous pressure almost from the start of the game.
Although Belgium did their best to resist on the defensive end, the French attack came in waves.
In the first half, the French team tore apart the Belgian defense many times through quick passes and precise coordination.
Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku struggled to find chances in midfield, but France defended very solidly and did not give Belgium much room to break through.
Thibaut Courtois made a number of good saves to keep the back of the net intact, but Belgium had few chances in attack.
The game entered the second half, and the offensive and defensive rhythm of the two sides was still fierce.
France's attack continued to press, while Belgium tried to find the back of the net on the counter-attack.
In the 85th minute, France's Muani caused chaos with a subtle individual breakaway, and Belgium's Vertonghen inadvertently converted an own goal that completely changed the game.
Belgium made a desperate attempt to equalise in the ensuing period.
Kevin De Bruyne attacked in midfield on several occasions, but France defended very tightly and did not leave Belgium any chances.
The score was fixed at 1-0 and France qualified for the quarter-finals thanks to this own goal, while Belgium once again stopped at the knockout stage.
The match was a heavy blow to the Belgian team.
Despite having a group of experienced and talented players, the team failed to show the dominance and on-field play they deserved when it mattered.
The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard performed commendably, but the team was a little weak in terms of overall tactical execution and handling of key moments.
The peak of Belgium's golden generation may have passed, but that doesn't mean their future is bleak.
The team needs to find new breakthroughs in future competitions, develop young players and inject new energy.
How to balance the experience of the veterans with the momentum of the newcomers will be an important issue for the Belgian team to solve in the future.
Belgium have lost just one of their last 18 matches in all competitions, showing their consistent form and teamwork.
The defeat at this European Championship has shown the severity of the team's ageing.
The age and fitness of the core players have declined, which has been the key to Belgium's failure to continue to perform well in the tournament.
In particular, the frequent technical mistakes and tactical deficiencies in the game exposed the urgency of the team's renewal.
Looking back at the glorious history of Belgian football, we can't help but feel the ruthlessness of time.
From an Olympic gold medal in 1920 to a fourth-place finish at the 1986 World Cup to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, Belgian football has been one of the best in international football.
As generations of players retire, so does the glow of the golden generation.
In the next tournament, it may be difficult to see the likes of Kevin De Bruyne or Romelu Lukaku at their peak.
Vertonghen's own goal was more than a blip in the game, it became a profound symbol that marked the end of the glory days of Belgium's so-called 'golden generation'.
This moment is not only a reversal of the outcome of the game, but also a symbolic revelation of the end of one era and the beginning of another.
The Belgian team, which has shone on the international football scene and has thrilled countless fans, has seen their skills, team spirit and hard work put them on top of the world for a time, even if they failed to win the championship.
This generation of Belgian players, such as Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, were once the darlings of world football, earning them international respect and affection for their style of play, virtuosity and professionalism in the game.
Over time, these core players age, and their fitness and reflexes inevitably begin to decline.
Vertonghen's own goal in this game was undoubtedly a clear sign of that decline.
It's not just an individual mistake, it's a reflection of the change in the form and level of the whole team.
After this match, Belgian football undoubtedly ushered in a period of transition.
Faced with the ageing of their core players and their imminent retirement, Belgium must make tactical adjustments and rebuild their squad.
This requires the introduction of new blood and the cultivation of a new tactical system to adapt to the rapid development of modern football.
This transition is painful and challenging, as it's not just about technique and tactics, it's about how to make a smooth transition while maintaining the spirit and style of the team.
The charm of football is indeed not just about winning.
The story of Belgium's golden generation, although it did not end with the championship, their spirit of play, dedication on the field and indomitable hard work have been deeply implanted in the hearts of every fan.
Their story is about hard work, challenge and team spirit, which are the core values of football.
The future is unknown, but the spirit of Belgian football and the legacy of this generation will continue to inspire the next generation of players.
epilogue
Looking back at Belgium's journey over the years, we see an exciting picture: shocking comebacks in key matches, heroic moments in the tournament, and the ups and downs and emotions experienced by the fans.
These moments have transcended the game itself and become part of the shared memory.
The power of this emotion is unmatched by any trophy.
The end of the Belgian Golden Generation marked the end of an era, but also heralded new beginnings.
While the road ahead is uncertain, Belgian football must find a new direction and momentum.
In the process, we will continue to witness the passion and uncertainty that football brings to us, as demonstrated by the Belgian golden generation.
Their exit is a tribute to the past, an expectation for the future, and a tribute to the timeless charm of the great sport of football.
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