Why dismal loss to Morocco signals the end of Belgium’s golden generation (1:21)Shaka Hislop explains why time is up for many of Belgium’s stars after their loss vs. Morocco. (1:21)
DOHA, Qatar — First, it must be said that it’s not over yet as Belgium can still make it to the World Cup round of 16 with a win against Croatia on Thursday, but it still feels like something has come to an end. Regardless of what happens for Belgium, it feels like the end of a cycle and with that, the end of their famous “Golden Generation.”
2 Related
Following their 2-0 defeat against Morocco, the atmosphere inside and outside the team’s dressing room at the Al Thumama stadium on Sunday was heavy — almost too heavy after a shock result that came four days after a lucky 1-0 win against Canada in which their CONCACAF opponents dominated. Defender Jan Vertonghen had just spoken on TV, only to reveal that he would rather not say what was on his mind. The 35-year-old centre-back did express one thought, though. He hit back at Kevin De Bruyne, who told the world’s media that the squad was “too old,” and captain Eden Hazard, who claimed that “our defenders are not the fastest and they know it,” ahead of the match.
Vertonghen was quick to respond: “I guess we attack badly because we are also too old up front. We didn’t create enough chances.” The dig was so obvious that you could imagine the mood, and the impact of those words, within that dressing room.
To explain the decline of the No. 2 men’s team in the world (according to FIFA’s latest world rankings), it starts with what Vertonghen was willing to say. While the players denied any reports of a rift within the team, there are clearly some problems on the pitch that have their origins off it.
– World Cup 2022: News and features Schedule