Kevin De Bruyne Was Right, Belgium Are Too Old To Win The World Cup

Jimmy Henton

This World Cup tournament contains many shocks, starting with Argentina's humiliating defeat against Saudi Arabia. Germany's national team seemed not to learn any lesson from it, putting themself in a dangerous situation of coming home after the group state's end. Now, we have another victim named Belgium as they lost the game to Morocco a couple of hours ago. All these matches have the same game script and high FIFA ranking status.

The Interview After A Win Over Canada

Source: talksport

Notably, Kevin De Bruyne gave The Guardian an eye-opening interview this week when he said that his Belgium side - currently ranked second on FIFA's world rankings - has "no chance" of winning the World Cup.
“No chance, we’re too old,” De Bruyne stated. “I think our chance was 2018. We have a good team, but it is aging. We lost some key players. We have some good new players coming, but they are not at the level other players were in 2018. I see us more as outsiders.”
Kevin De Bruyne conceded that his country's so-called "Golden Generation" was at an end, hinting that their chances of winning the World Cup were over even before the group stages were completed. Did De Bruyne take the pressure off his team when he put all attention onto himself and away from his teammates? No one actually knows, but, he's got the point anyway.

The Defeat Against Morocco

Source: football.london

Abdelhamid Sabiri gave Morocco the lead in the second half with a whipped-in free kick that bypassed everyone, certainly including a screened Thibaut Courtois. Zakaria Aboukjlal dashed Belgium's hope with the second goal, putting the gloss on Morocco's third win at World Cup.
Seven of the 11 players Belgium started against Morocco were 30 or older with two of them 29. Searching for a late goal, Belgium brought on 35-year-old Dries Mertens and half-fit Romelu Lukaku, among others.

What's Next For Belgium?

Source: marca

It's over for Belgium at this World Cu[p tournament. and the Red Devils can count among their ranks upcoming talents lie Charles De Ketelaere and Amadou Onana, both 21. But it seems the Golden Generation’s moment to do something truly special may have passed.
Belgium will face Croatia in the last game of the group stage on Oct 16, 2022, at 11:45:00 AM UTC at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium stadium, Al Rayyan city, Qatar.

Belgium ratings: Defence

Source: marca



Thibaut Courtois (5/10), Thomas Meunier (5/10), Toby Alderweireld (5/10), Jan Vertonghen (5/10)

Midfield

Timothy Castagne (5/10), Amadou Onana (5/10), Axel Witsel (5/10), Thorgan Hazard (5/10)

Attack

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10), Eden Hazard (5/10), Michy Batshuayi (5/10)

Subs & Manager


Youri Tielemans (5/10), Dries Mertens (5/10), Leandro Trossard (5/10), Charles De Ketelaere (5/10), Romelu Lukaku (5/10), Roberto Martinez (5/10).