Belgium have been waiting a long time for redemption.
In their last major tournament appearance, the 2002 World Cup, Belgium were knocked out by eventual champions Brazil. The game was not without controversy, however. A Marc Wilmots header in the 36th minute would have put the Red Devils ahead, but the goal was harshly disallowed for pushing. Goals by Rivaldo and Ronaldo in the second half sent Belgium home wondering what might have been. It’s only fitting that Belgium’s first major tournament since that incident could take place on its conqueror’s home soil.
Belgium have been largely absent from the international picture since the 2002 World Cup, but things are beginning to change. A new generation of talent is rising through the ranks in Europe, particularly in the Premier League. Simon Mingolet, Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and Christian Benteke all had excellent seasons in England’s top-flight. Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are both coming off disappointing seasons, but are both (especially Kompany) capable of much more. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is owned by Chelsea, had an excellent season at Atletico Madrid and made a huge save against Real Madrid to help secure the Copa del Rey.
Belgium have a nice mixture of veteran players entering the primes of their careers (particularly in defence) and young attackers coming of age. Mingolet (25 years old), Kompany (27), Vertonghen (26), Vermaelen (27), and Fellaini (25) provide experience, but are all still well under 30. Meanwhile, Hazard (22) provides a creative spark and Lukaku (20) and Benteke (22) provide serious goal-scoring threat.
Benteke and Lakaku finished fourth and sixth in goals scored in the Premier League, but next season will be an important one for the young forwards. Both will have to prove they are not one season wonders, potentially at bigger clubs.
Chelsea striker Lakaku impressed on loan with West Bromwich Albion and has been compared favorably to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. Now that Jose Mourinho is back in charge of Chelsea, he may very well want a player in the Drogba mold, who was such an integral part of his first stint as Chelsea manager. Lakaku’s case is furthered helped by the fact that neither Fernando Torres nor Demba Ba played particularly well for the Blues in the last Premier League campaign.