Since the establishment of the men’s FIFA World Ranking in December 1992, eight teams have held the top position. Seven of them (Brazil, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands) have won at least one EURO, Copa America or World Cup in their history.But it’s the eighth side that botter us here, and it’s – Belgium. The only national team in the world that was and still is No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking fails to win any silverware. It has been almost three years since the Red Devils topped France on that list, and with the EURO 2020 reaching its final phase, it’s legitimate to raise a question – is this now or never for Belgium?Belgium Squad pic.twitter.com/y8ePmOAOhU— Musadat Ishak (@musadat_i) June 24, 2021 A proper answer is, of course, challenging to deliver, albeit it’s fair to say this is probably the last chance for this outstanding generation of Belgium footballers to reach the desired glory. Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne and the others not only have vast experience but are enjoying their maybe most fruitful years (except for the Hazard mentioned above, whose peak was two or three years ago).Mourinho on Hazard – ‘Awful’ in training, would be far better if he was a ‘top professional’Roberto Martinez’s side is packed with many household names in every team line, from Courtois to Lukaku and Witsel in between. They have all enjoyed many successful seasons with their teams, gained lots of experience and know what it is like to go all the way to the end. So what’s the problem then?Henry just shocked the entire Belgium squad with one kick of a ball pic.twitter.com/o0nm4cjAYU— Niall Moran 🏴 (@niallmoran_) June 20, 2021 They, obviously, lack that X factor, something impalpable that divides champions from all the others. Three years ago, they were stopped in the World Cup semifinals against France, while Gareth Bale’s Wales destroyed them surprisingly at the EURO 2016 quarterfinals.The group stage is not a place for displaying Belgium’s flaws, but as soon as they enter the knockout round, a scarecrow jumps from a locker, and all their title-chasing plans finish in shambles. And if there’s a single squad that causes fear that resembles that scarecrow, then it’s definitely Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal – Belgium’s tonight opponent in the 1/8 finals.Portugal vs Belgium. Can’t wait to see this clash 🔥🔥😂 pic.twitter.com/fhkyHCrhP9— Teflon👽😂 (@Tef_lon_don) June 23, 2021 It will be an ultimate test for Lukaku and co. and their capability of overcoming those weaknesses. And what’s even more critical – not succumbing to pressure in the ties with equally balanced and formidable sides. Moreover, Portugal is not the only intimidating team on Belgium’s path to the finals since Italy and Spain/Croatia are waiting for them in the following stages.So, what’s it going to be? Tune in tonight at 22.00, and we’ll see what the Belgiums are made of.It is now or never.By: Bojan Babić
