At the every major football tournament, Belgium are among the favorites. And just looking at the squad which coach Roberto Martinez has, it’s easy to see why is that. Courtois, Dendoncker, Carrasco, Castagne, De Bruyne, Tielemans, Witsel, Trossard, Mertens, Doku, Lukaku and Batshuayi are surely the names any national coach would like to have on his side. But in reality, they are considered ‘dark horses’ at best in this tournament. The Golden Generation is about to run its course in Qatar with nothing to show for. They lost both quarterfinals at EURO 2016 and 2020 and finished third in WC 2018 in Russia.Last chance for Belgium’s golden generation? 🇧🇪🏆 pic.twitter.com/zLnosp5xxy— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 10, 2022 One of their main stars, Eden Hazard is in a free fall since he moved to Real Madrid in 2019. Their second star Romelu Lukaku cannot find his true self since he switched over to Chelsea, and he is injured more then ever. Their defensive backbone Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, have a combined age of 68. So, in reality, Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, arguably the only two world-class players in the squad, will be key to Belgium’s chances.The Pharaohs dominate Belgium as De Bruyne, Hazard and co suffer a disturbing pre-WC lossFor their opener against Canada, Lukaku will surely be on the bench and Martinez didn’t want to rule out Inter striker for the second game, against Morocco.“If I follow the doctors’ advice, I’d say for the third game. If I go by how the player feels, there’s probably a chance to have him back for the second match” said the Belgium coach. He already sparked controversies when announced that out of form Hazard will start, while the whole nation wanted to see Brigthon’s Leandro Trossard in the squad.Lukaku still injured, will miss first two World Cup gamesBut former Belgium international Vincent Company is more optimistic than rest of the nation.“I think they can win it. Other teams may be favorite as well, but they can win it in the same way Italy won it in 2006. With an experienced team, being disciplined and organized and having the advantage of having been together for a long time. And having match-winners and game changers in the team. You need that in tournaments” said current Burnley coach.Eden, if you were the coach, would you field Eden?Unlike a bit gloomy Belgium, Canada are in a buoyant mood. And it’s mainly because they secured the World Cup ticket for the first time since 1986 and did it in an effective way, as the first in their group, ahead of USA, Mexico and Costa Rica. While 22-year-old Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies is the undoubted Canada star, Lille striker Jonathan David and Club Brugge forward Cyle Larin showed in the qualifiers. Larin was the top scorer with 11 goals, with David close behind in second with nine. They will surely try to break Belgium’s experienced but old backfield and cause a possible Saudi Arabia-like sensation. Will they do it, well’ see tonight at 22:00.WORLD CUP 2022Wednesday, Nov 23rd13:00: (4.20) Morocco (3.40) Croatia (1.92) F16:00: (1.50) Germany (4.30) Japan (6.50) E19:00: (1.15) Spain (7.50) Costa Rica (20.0) E22:00: (1.42) Belgium (4.50) Canada (8.00) F
