What a sad and poignant moment. 2014 was their coming of age and 2022 was the end of their era. The decline of Eden Hazard epitomizes everything that is the steep decline of this Belgian team. I don't understand why Belgian FA didn't replace Roberto Martinez with a more recognized coach? They had years to try something. Reminds me of England's Golden Generation of 2002 to 2010. Unlike England who has the population, I don't think Belgium will ever produce such world-class players again or at least not again in our lifetime.
Red Devils Lite | Belgium Discussion thread
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
You kind of felt this was coming. Just an aging team that was never going to win it; that opportunity was 4 years ago.
Another golden generation that didn't win anything: Portugal late 90s, England mid 00s and now Belgium...i'm sure there are a lot of other examples.
Another golden generation that didn't win anything: Portugal late 90s, England mid 00s and now Belgium...i'm sure there are a lot of other examples.
On the BBC live feed:
He is either trolling or he is deluded.
Sack watch incoming.Lukaku needs to retire after that
It's national team football, everyone has a hard time getting the best managers.
The thing about Belgium is the huge difference between this generation and how they’ve generally been in their history.
There’s usually a guarantee that sides with this much quality will produce another group of players but this is one of the first times I can remember where there probably isn’t.
There’s usually a guarantee that sides with this much quality will produce another group of players but this is one of the first times I can remember where there probably isn’t.
Netherlands 98,74
Not much left to say at this point. We didn't deserve to go through. Feels like an end of an era, but it's not like it wasn't coming. The last few years were nothing but frustrations. Delighted Martinez is gone, was so fecking sick of him.
Great generation wasted on a crap manager.
Quite possibly the most overhyped and overrated international team in recent history. Not once have they looked capable of winning a tournament even after being consistently ranked as the highest European team.
since the 70s they generally always had a few really good players and in the 80s were a very effective team with an elite midfield (Scifo, Vercauteren, Cuelemans), they fell away from being competitive in the '00s then came back with by far their deepest ever generation. It's the depth they will struggle to recreate imo, but no reason they can't produce enough to stay a generally solid team that fits into the wider European second-tier in that rough 8-15 or so bracket.
Going back to a standout low point like the 00s would be a surprise imo.
Van Gaal being linked to them.