by Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne reflected on the disappointment of losing 1-0 to France in the European Championship round of 16, marking the country’s first major international tournament loss.
De Bruyne expressed disappointment in their performance against Slovakia, stating they tried their best but ultimately let themselves down.
De Bruyne, a member of the “golden generation,” finds the feeling familiar but doesn’t appreciate the label.
De Bruyne inquired about the golden generation of Belgium’s greatest players, including Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku, who have never reached the final of a major tournament or won a trophy.
Belgium’s golden generation, including France, England, Spain, and Germany, failed to secure a title due to the absence of key players like Hazard, Kompany, and Courtois, leading to a disappointing exit from Euro 2024, with all-time leading scorer Lukaku failing to score in four matches.
Belgium’s touchy performance was understandable after a disappointing tournament, including a shock loss to Slovakia and a 0-0 draw with Ukraine, which led to a knockout match with France, the World Cup finalists.
De Bruyne celebrated his 33rd birthday, revealing he will turn 35 during the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, despite not considering his international future, after he was injured for a large portion of the previous season.
Belgium’s golden generation achieved success in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, despite being beaten by France, and climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings. However, they were eliminated in the group stage, and Hazard retired.
Belgium, under Domenico Tedesco’s coaching, achieved the top group position in the Qatar World Cup, with Lukaku as the leading scorer, but has not replicated this success in Germany.
Tedesco might come under scrutiny for his strategies against a France team that hasn’t exactly impressed at the Euros. Against a squad one spot higher in the rankings, Belgium’s third-ranked team shown little desire. With one of the best forwards in the world, Kevin De Bruyne, playing more of a defensive role, France controlled the chances.
In the 85th minute, Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflected off Jan Vertonghen, securing the winning goal for Düsseldorf. De Bruyne praised the team’s game plan, stating that they stuck to it well, despite the opponent having more possession and shots on goal.
Reporting by SOCCER FOR YOU.
