Belgium's World Cup failed to get off the ground. They were unable to find that spark that would take them to third in 2018. They spent much of their time debating the infighting within their squad before they went home on Thursday (Dec. 1).
Roberto Martinez's team missed many chances to win against Croatia and advance from Group F. Romelu Lukaku's lackluster match sharpness was a telling sign. They had to settle for a draw and third place in the pool.
After failing to convert from only a few yards on three occasions, Lukaku was frustrated and in tears by the final whistle. A goal in each match tells its own story. Belgium may have saved their best performance for last but their lack of clinical flair will leave them frustrated.
It seems like the end of a generation of players who promised so much. But the memories from this tournament will show a fractured team that is unable to rekindle past performances,said by online casino malaysia for android.
Curiously, the senior players were openly skeptical of their ability to lift this trophy. Captain Eden Hazard said that their best chance was four years ago in Russia, and Kevin De Bruyne suggested that their "Golden Generation" were too old.
De Bruyne's fight with Toby Alderweireld, defender, over tactics in Canada's 1-0 win was the culmination of Belgium's time in Qatar. It also fuelled the narrative that it was a unhappy camp. It was a sad end for a group players who had climbed to the top of the international rankings but didn't have any silverware to show for their efforts.
Change is inevitable with 11 of their players over 30 and a new World Cup cycle looming. Roberto Martinez, Coach, has yet to sign a new contract as his current contract expires soon.
Too many players fell below their usual standards, not just De Bruyne whose poor form in the first game robbed them their cutting edge. Belgium was too far from the pieces to be successful, and that will leave many questions as they close the chapter of one of the greatest teams of all-time.
