World Cup Group F: Belgium face final chance to shake off underachievers tag

Belgium head into the 2022 World Cup with a final opportunity for success from a golden generation.

The Red Devils are the only side placed inside the top five of the Fifa world rankings to have never won the tournament, and come off a third-placed finish in 2018 after narrowly losing in the semi-finals to France.

That leaves much of the focus on finding a way to navigate the latter stages of the tournament. While Belgium have shown that they can match any side in terms of performances, too often they have lacked that clinical edge when it matters.

Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, always has an eye on the golden boot and he will carry most of Belgium’s goalscoring output with support from Kevin De Bruyne. But with De Bruyne, and Eden Hazard, both now 31 years old, there is a feeling that it could be all or nothing for Roberto Martinez’s side in Qatar.

Having endured a slow start to their Nations League campaign, which began with a 4-1 defeat at home against the Netherlands, Belgium will hope to find better form before they make the trip to Qatar, though question marks over their defence will remain as they continue to look for the next generation of Belgian stars.

Belgium's Road to Qatar

HOW BELGIUM QUALIFIED FOR WORLD CUP 2022: (Group E) March 24, 2021. Belgium 3 (De Bruyne 22', T Hazard 28', Lukaku pen 73') Wales 1 (Wilson 10'): The world's No 1-ranked side recovered from falling a goal down to start their campaign with a win, with Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne among the scorers. Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game and it became even harder in the moment we conceded the first goal. I'm pleased with the style of the performance." EPA
March 27, 2021. Czech Republic 1 (Provod 50') Belgium 1 (Lukaku 60'): Romelu Lukaku rescued a point for Belgium to make it 36 goals in his past 31 international appearances. Martinez said: "We didn't find our rhythm, or our level that we are used to. We needed to defend our box frequently. We created some good chances, but the draw is a fair result." Reuters
March 30, 2021. Belgium 8 (Batshuayi 14', Vanaken 17', 89'), Trossard 38', 75', Doku 42', Praet 49' Benteke 70') Belarus 0: Brighton's Leandro Trossard and Leicester's Dennis Praet scored their first Belgium goals in a crushing victory. The hosts had 21 attempts on goal. Martinez said: "I'm delighted with what I've seen from every player. I've seen players taking decisive roles, I was very pleased with the performance of the young guys and how this group works together." Getty
September 2, 2021. Estonia 2 (Kait 2', Sorga 83') Belgium 5 (Vanaken 22', Lukaku 29', 52', Witsel 64', Foket 76'): Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku moved up to 66 goals in 99 games for Belgium with a double as they came from behind to seal three points. "With the first goal, all credit should go to Estonia," said Martinez. "It was a great shot. That happens in football. But I'm pleased that we remained calm." AP
September 5, 2021. Belgium 3 (Lukaku 8', E Hazard 41', Saelemaekers 65') Czech Republic 0: Romelu Lukaku marked his 100th cap with an early goal that put Belgium on the way to an impressive win. Martinez said: "This game, having possession in the 'Belgian way', playing fast but smart, having the ball circulating a lot, was what I wanted to see. The players did exactly what I asked of them." AFP
September 8, 2021. Belarus 0 Belgium 1 (Praet 33'): No repeat of the eight-goal battering Belgium dealt out to Belarus this time, with Dennis Praet's first-half goal sealing a narrow win. Martinez on injury-hit Eden Hazard's appearance as a substitute: “The fact that Eden wanted to come here, that he wanted to travel this far, knowing he couldn't play 90 minutes, shows that Eden is back on every level," AFP
November 13, 2021. Belgium 3 (Benteke 11', Carrasco 53', T Hazard 74') Estonia 1 (Sorga 70'): Belgium sealed their spot in Qatar with a game to spare. Striker Christian Benteke, in for the injured Lukaku, scored the opener and hit the woodwork. Martinez said: "We did what we had to do. I would have liked to have scored the second goal in the first half. Apart from that, I am happy with the performance." AFP
November 16, 2021. Wales 1 (Moore 31') Belgium 1 (De Bruyne 12'): De Bruyne's stylish early goal put Belgium ahead only for Kieffer Moore to equalise and seal a point that would take Wales into the play-offs in front of a jumping Cardiff City Stadium. Martinez said: "We congratulate Wales, they finished second. A fantastic atmosphere. We all wish that you have a fantastic draw in the play-offs." AP