Belgium once hailed as the golden generation, exited the UEFA European Football Championship (Euro) 2024 disappointingly, once again failing to clinch a major tournament victory.
Belgium, ranked 3rd by FIFA, suffered a 0-1 defeat against France (#2 by FIFA) in the round of 16 match held in Düsseldorf, Germany on the 2nd (Korean time), allowing an own goal.
Belgium displayed a lackluster performance throughout the tournament and struggled to fend off France’s offense in the first match. The team eventually succumbed in the 40th minute of the second half. A shot from French striker Kolo Muani deflected off Jan Vertonghen’s knee and found its way into the goal.
Belgium’s disappointing exit shattered their hopes of clinching their first Euro win. This outcome is particularly bitter for Belgium, marking the last major tournament for their celebrated golden generation.
Belgium showed prominence on the international stage in the 1980s but fell into a long slump after the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, failing to reach the main stages of major tournaments.
Belgium, once considered an average team, refocused on nurturing young soccer talents and reaped the rewards in the 2010s. Prominent players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany, and Thibaut Courtois emerged, becoming regulars in major tournaments beginning with the 2014 Brazil World Cup. They even ascended to the top of the FIFA rankings in 2018, marking the peak of their success.
However, despite boasting a roster filled with star players, Belgium has never managed to reach the pinnacle of international football. Their highest achievement to date remains securing third place in the 2018 Russia World Cup.
As Belgium’s golden generation began to age, their performance noticeably declined. The team faced the humiliation of elimination in the group stage at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and encountered another setback by hitting a round of 16 barrier at Euro 2024. Their disappointing performance even led to boos from disappointed home fans.
Criticism poured in from media outlets stating, “They’re called the golden generation, but they’ve never reached a major tournament final.” In response, team captain De Bruyne bitterly questioned, “What defines the golden generation?” He added, “Aren’t France, England, Spain, and Germany considered the golden generations as well?”
Belgium’s team also suffered a big shock. De Bruyne lamented, “We were not strong contenders for the title, but going out in the round of 16 was not the outcome we wanted.”
Belgium, after finishing Euro 2024, is preparing for the European qualifiers for the 2026 North and Central American World Cup starting in March 2025.