Page 24 - Soccer360 Issue 106

S360 PREDICTION | 3RD PLACE NICKNAME: RED DEVILS
BELGIUM
Few expect Belgium to triumph at Euro 2024 after their failure to go all the
way at recent major tournaments, but Stephen Donovan wonders if they 3
might still be in with a chance.
EURO APPEARANCES: 6 EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
FIFA RANKING
RD
STRIVING FOR SILVERWARE
Over the past decade, so much has been expected of Belgium. A golden generation of talent; a conveyer belt of quality players coming through their youth ranks took them from also-rans that hadn’t so much as qualified for a major finals since the 2002 World Cup, to the no.1 ranked team in the world and one of the favourites every time a tournament came along.
Alas, for one reason or another they
have never quite lived up to those lofty expectations. Their star-studded squad developed a habit of looking formidable in the early rounds but would often struggle to maintain that form in the later stages, especially against the stronger teams. A poor showing at the 2022 World Cup was widely seen as putting an end to the golden generation’s chances of glory, but with a point to prove as they arrive in Germany, they can’t be written off completely.
There is little doubt about the quality the Red Devils boast in attack. The masterful Kevin de Bruyne will be tasked with
pulling the strings, behind an exciting
front three consisting of pacy Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, and record scorer Romelu Lukaku. Defence, however, could be a weak point
as although Jan Vertonghen is still going
at the age of 37, there is a general lack of top-level experience in that area of the field. The authoritative presence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will also be a big miss. Belgium are undoubtedly contenders but are not considered one of the favourites this time, although that may work in their favour.
PROBABLE STARTING XI
THE COACH:
DOMENICO TEDESCO
The second youngest coach at Euro 2024 after Germany’s Julien Nagelsmann, 38-year- old Italian Domenico Tedesco has spent most of his life in the host nation. Having never played football professionally, he rose to prominence after being appointed coach of Schalke 04 in 2017 before leading them to second place in the Bundesliga. With an attack-minded philosophy, he is the latest man charged with trying to lead Belgium to their first major silverware.
KEY PLAYER:
ROMELU LUKAKU
This might be a side containing the brilliance of Kevin de Bruyne, but it’s impossible to ignore Romelu Lukaku’s goalscoring record in international football. The powerful striker has a staggering 83 goals in 114 caps his for his country including 11 at major tournaments, and he’ll look to add to that tally as he spearheads an incredibly dangerous looking Red Devils front three.
THEIR BEST THREE EUROS
1980
1972
2020
2ND
3RD
QF
TROSSARD
CARRASCO
LUKEBAKIO
TIELEMANS
LUKAKU
DE BRUYNE
CASTAGNE
FAES
THEATE
VERTONGHEN
UEFA EURO OVERALL RECORD PLD:22 W:11 D:2 L:9
SELS
FACTFILE
POPULATION:
11.7 million
EURO FINALS APPEARANCES: 6
BEST FINISH:
Runners-up, 1980
MOST MEMORABLE EUROS MOMENT: Losing to a late West Germany goal in the Euro 1980 final.
HOW THEY GOT TO EURO 2024: Unbeaten winners of qualification Group F, with six wins and two draws
LAST EUROS APPEARANCE: 2020 - Looked like potential winners until running into Italy in the quarter- finals.
MOST CAPPED PLAYER: Jan Vertonghen, 154 caps
LEADING INTERNATIONAL SCORER: Romelu Lukaku, 83 goals
HOW TO FOLLOW:
JAN VERTONGHEN
VS SLOVAKIA VS ROMANIA VS UKRAINE JUNE 17TH JUNE 22ND JUNE 26TH 12:00PM | EST 3:00PM | EST 12:00PM | EST
22 SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024
GROUP E - UEFA EURO 2024