RED DEVILS REBUILD

After a disastrous World Cup signalled the end of Belgium's "golden generation", a new era begins

- James Kelly

Belgium’s home kit for the 2022 World Cup was certainly a clever idea by adidas. Opting for the traditional red body and black sleeves, the most striking aspect was the flame detail adorning the cuffs. Unfortunately, rather than signifying the heat Belgium would bring to the tournament, it proved the perfect uniform to symbolise the burning out of their “golden generation”.

It is undeniable that Belgium’s time in Qatar was nothing short of disastrous. A narrow win over Canada in the opening game was followed by a deserved 2-0 defeat to the plucky Moroccans, with exit confirmed in a spirited but ultimately drab goalless draw against Croatia.

Rumours swirled of arguments within the team. Romelu Lukaku was clearly not fit. Kevin De Bruyne declared pre-tournament they had no chance of glory as the squad was ageing. Then, less than a week after being dumped out, Eden Hazard announced his international retirement, with many feeling the waning star no longer warranted a starting place anyway.

While coach Roberto Martinez dismissed De Bruyne’s comments, the Spaniard swiftly exited his role with the Red Devils, resigning after six-and-a-half years in the job.

Martinez was largely ridiculed for asserting that whilst not securing a trophy, he had “built a real legacy” by finishing third at the 2018 finals, topping the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, opening a new training centre and equipping the vast majority of the squad with UEFA A-licences they can put to use post-retirement.

Football is ultimately about victory, but when viewed through a different lens Martinez’s words begin to have more substance.