Another major international tournament, another opportunity gone by for Belgium’s golden generation. The Red Devils’ Euro 2020 exit at the hands of Italy felt all too familiar for football fans, with FIFA’s no.1 ranked nation coming up short once again in their pursuit of silverware despite boasting one of the world’s most talented squad and most gifted generation in years.
Roberto Martinez’s side, having overcome defending champions Portugal in the round of 16, locked horns with the Azzurri in the quarter-finals, with many wondering if this was the year De Bruyne and Co. would go all the way. Unfortunately, it was not to be as Roberto Mancini’s crew proved to be a hill too steep to climb, losing 2-1 and thus bowing out of the tournament.
And as a result, questions began being asked of their Spanish manager as time continues to tick down on this blessed generation, with many of the national team’s key contingent either being 30 or above. With the FIFA World Cup being right around the corner, speculation had emerged of a managerial shake up ahead of Qatar 2022.
However, that does not look to be the case. Belgium’s chief executive officer Peter Bossaert addressed this matter, announcing that the former Everton boss will remain in charge, saying (as per Goal):
“Today we start preparations for the September and October games. Roberto Martinez will be there. No official communication will follow, but there is no reason to change the staff.”
Several other factors contributed to Belgium’s demise, with Martinez being without his captain and talisman player Eden Hazard. Having undergone an injury-ravaged 2020/21 campaign, the Real Madrid ace made his return for the competition and played a key role in the 1-0 victory over Portugal only to pick up a knock and miss the semis.
De Bruyne also had an issue and while he recovered in time for the Italy showdown, there was no denying he was not at his best. Jason Denayer also missed out on that defeat. Regardless, fans cannot help shake off that the upcoming World Cup will be the Red Devils last chance at silverware with this generation. Whether their current boss is the right man to lead them into that tournament is up for debate.
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