The golden generation of Belgian football is fading. As its current captain, Eden Hazard, seems to have always done. Qatar 2022 will be the last chance for the footballers who, together with their architect, the Spanish Roberto Martínez, have transformed a country of 11.59 million inhabitants into a point of reference. This Wednesday, against Canada (16:00 Argentine time), they start a new path through group F, with the telecast of TV Pública.
The protagonists acknowledged that in Russia 2018 they had their best moment. A World Cup that ended up being the best in its history after taking third place. A Januzaj goal against England took them to the ‘hard’ side of the box. Heartbreaking and improbable win against Japan, Brazil’s elimination in the quarterfinals was ecstasy. In the semi-final, a goal by the Frenchman Umtiti thwarted the great dream of reaching the final.
In the nine games the ‘red devils’ played in 2022, Hazard started seven, being the player who has been fouled the most -18-. However, he has played six for Real Madrid this season, starting from mid-game and not playing 90 minutes in any of them. Furthermore, in the last two months he has only worn the black and white shirt in 71 minutes.
The first rival will be Canada. Led by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Both led their team to a World Cup for the second time in their history, and 36 years after the only one, in Mexico ’86 where they packed their bags in the group stage.
The Bayern Munich winger has had a life full of difficulties, going through a refugee camp, a myocarditis at the beginning of the year from covid-19 and a muscle injury that almost kept him out of Qatar 2022. He hasn’t and he too will be able to play at the first, as confirmed by his coach at the press conference.
– Probable formations –
Belgium: Courtois; Meunier, Debast, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Carrasco; Witsel, Tielemanns; DeBruyne, Hazard, Openda.
Canada: Borjan; Johnston, Victoria, Miller, Davis; Buchanan, Hutchinson, Kone, Hoilett; Larin, Jonathan David.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.