Belgium are considered one of the strongest teams on paper going into Euro 2020. They will be looking to win the tournament for the first time, having delivered a fantastic performance in the 2018 edition of the World Cup. Head coach Roberto Martinez has helped Belgium develop into one of the most feared teams in world football, encouraging players to showcase their talent and potential in the most extensive manner possible. However, trophies do matter as evident in the case of Arsene Wenger’s stint with Arsenal. The upcoming edition seems like the perfect opportunity to record a historic title win, with recent form further sending the right message going into the tournament. Belgium emerged victorious in all 10 games that they played in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, scoring 40 goals and conceding just three. Martinez has encouraged a 3-4-3 formation so far since the last five years which is an indication of the approach he may look to maintain in the upcoming edition of the Euros. Their opening three fixtures of Group B are against Russia in St Petersburg, followed by a clash against Denmark in Copenhagen and finally against Finland in St Petersburg yet again. Belgium are the world’s top national team according to the current FIFA rankings.
They were defeated by Wales in the quarter-finals of the 2016 edition of the Euros. Their best performance in the tournament was recorded in the 1980 edition. Belgium finished as runners-up, winning hearts with their fantastic performances. After finishing first in the group phase, the European side gave a tough fight to West Germany in the final. Horst Hrubesch scored the opener for Germany, followed by a penalty equalizer from René Vandereycken. The match seemed set to go into extra time. However, Hrubesch scored a second goal two minutes before the end of the regular playing time, bringing an end to the Belgian dream of winning a first major (non-Olympic) tournament. One of the most disappointing performances by Belgium was recorded in the 2000 edition, where they were knocked out in the first round. It was extremely unexpected considering the brilliant performances in the eight preparational friendlies. Euro 2020 presents an opportunity to take a step in the right direction.
Kevin De Bruyne will be one of the players to watch out for, having made his presence felt for Manchester City over the years. The midfielder was named as the UEFA Champions League midfielder of the season in the 2019/20 edition of the tournament, on the back of stunning performances. The Belgian also set up 20 Premier League goals for Manchester City in the same season, equalling Thierry Henry’s league record. Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has been one of the star performers in the Premier League this season, scoring the winner in the final of a historic FA Cup triumph for the Foxes. Tielemans has a lethal shot from distance, along with great distribution. He could well make the difference for Belgium in a crucial encounter if handed an opportunity. Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku was the top scorer in the qualifiers. He smashed seven goals, which is an indication of how lethal he can be in front of goal. Lukaku was further magnificent for Inter Milan recently, helping them win the Scudetto by a handsome margin. The attacker will play a crucial role if Belgium are to win the Euro 2020. Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard failed to make much of an impact in the recently concluded season, having battled injuries. Hazard can however be unstoppable on his day, making him one to watch out for from the opposition’s viewpoint. The winger is capable of creating chances out of nothing with his dribbling and creativity. Hazard would further be eager to showcase his talent and capabilities having struggled in the La Liga.
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Belgium are considered one of the strongest teams on paper going into Euro 2020. They will be looking to win the tournament for the first time, having delivered a fantastic performance in the 2018 edition of the World Cup. Head coach Roberto Martinez has helped Belgium develop into one of the most feared teams in world football, encouraging players to showcase their talent and potential in the most extensive manner possible. However, trophies do matter as evident in the case of Arsene Wenger’s stint with Arsenal. The upcoming edition seems like the perfect opportunity to record a historic title win, with recent form further sending the right message going into the tournament. Belgium emerged victorious in all 10 games that they played in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, scoring 40 goals and conceding just three. Martinez has encouraged a 3-4-3 formation so far since the last five years which is an indication of the approach he may look to maintain in the upcoming edition of the Euros. Their opening three fixtures of Group B are against Russia in St Petersburg, followed by a clash against Denmark in Copenhagen and finally against Finland in St Petersburg yet again. Belgium are the world’s top national team according to the current FIFA rankings.
They were defeated by Wales in the quarter-finals of the 2016 edition of the Euros. Their best performance in the tournament was recorded in the 1980 edition. Belgium finished as runners-up, winning hearts with their fantastic performances. After finishing first in the group phase, the European side gave a tough fight to West Germany in the final. Horst Hrubesch scored the opener for Germany, followed by a penalty equalizer from René Vandereycken. The match seemed set to go into extra time. However, Hrubesch scored a second goal two minutes before the end of the regular playing time, bringing an end to the Belgian dream of winning a first major (non-Olympic) tournament. One of the most disappointing performances by Belgium was recorded in the 2000 edition, where they were knocked out in the first round. It was extremely unexpected considering the brilliant performances in the eight preparational friendlies. Euro 2020 presents an opportunity to take a step in the right direction.
Kevin De Bruyne will be one of the players to watch out for, having made his presence felt for Manchester City over the years. The midfielder was named as the UEFA Champions League midfielder of the season in the 2019/20 edition of the tournament, on the back of stunning performances. The Belgian also set up 20 Premier League goals for Manchester City in the same season, equalling Thierry Henry’s league record. Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans has been one of the star performers in the Premier League this season, scoring the winner in the final of a historic FA Cup triumph for the Foxes. Tielemans has a lethal shot from distance, along with great distribution. He could well make the difference for Belgium in a crucial encounter if handed an opportunity. Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku was the top scorer in the qualifiers. He smashed seven goals, which is an indication of how lethal he can be in front of goal. Lukaku was further magnificent for Inter Milan recently, helping them win the Scudetto by a handsome margin. The attacker will play a crucial role if Belgium are to win the Euro 2020. Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard failed to make much of an impact in the recently concluded season, having battled injuries. Hazard can however be unstoppable on his day, making him one to watch out for from the opposition’s viewpoint. The winger is capable of creating chances out of nothing with his dribbling and creativity. Hazard would further be eager to showcase his talent and capabilities having struggled in the La Liga.
