It was a tough outing for Belgium in their first group stage game against Italy, but like all good teams do, they managed to bounce back against the Republic of Ireland with a 3-0 win.
There has been plenty of hype around this current crop of Belgian footballers as the years have gone by, labelled the ‘golden generation’ by many but they looked anything but against Italy. There were questions asked of this side, but an emphatic performance may just turn those doubters back into believers.
They tick all the boxes as a team.
When you look in goals you see a world-class goalkeeper in Thibaut Courtois.
In the back four, we see the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Thomas Vermaelen.
Axel Witsel, who added a goal from midfield against Ireland.
It is the attacking options that stand out for many, however. Eden Hazard, who may not have been at his absolute best for Chelsea this season, still remains a quality player and will play a huge part in Belgium’s progress in this tournament. It is very much a star-studded side.
And do not forget the options they have from the bench. Players such as Christian Benteke, Divock Origi, Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini are just some of the reinforcements Belgium manager Marc Wilmots can turn to.
The two that stood out throughout the match were Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
De Bruyne was brilliant for Manchester City this season when fit. He gave them something they were lacking and he has taken that straight into the Euros. His performance was by far the most consistent from all the players out on the pitch and arguably could have had more than one assist if one of his team mates got themselves on the end of a few of his deliveries.
Lukaku, who was also solid at club level for Everton, found another level in the second half against Ireland. His attacking players in behind him supplied and he finished off the chances created, coming away with two goals which could be vital for Belgium’s progress out of the group. He is a quality forward for many reasons, but ultimately because he is such a versatile player. Quick, strong, good in the air and able to finish a chance off as he showed against the Irish. He will score goals with the talent that surrounds him, that is for sure.
Martin O’Neill’s team was good in the first half against the Belgians. Sitting deep as one would expect, the Red Devils found it difficult to break them down despite all the possession.
As soon as the second half came around though, this star-studded Belgium side clicked into gear and showed the rest of the competition why they are a side to fear.
Despite the quality result Belgium have picked up, there is still work to do for them to get out of the group.
With Italy already out, only one spot is up for grabs. To convince everyone they are a threat in the Euros, this side needs to go out and play with the same intent and aggression as it did in the second half against Ireland when it comes up against Sweden.
Consistency is massive in major international tournaments and Belgium have a platform to work from. It is not a question of talent when it comes to this side, it is whether they can put it together on the day.
We have now had two perfect examples of that in the space of two games in this competition. Belgium were average for their standards against the Italians and that piled huge pressure on them to gain a result versus Ireland, but to their credit they managed to pull it off.
For the sake of the tournament, it would be fantastic to see this side go deep. It is one of the more exciting teams to watch when at full throttle and will provide plenty of goals.
It looks a fairly wide open competition which only can be more of an incentive for this side to go out and give it its all. This ‘golden generation’ has now given itself a chance and it ultimately is up to them to take it.
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