Theokritos
Global Moderator
- Apr 6, 2010
- 12,541
- 4,938
Holland has been at a higher level than Belgium as in like pretty much all of living memory. When I think of Belgium I think of a footballing nation similar to Denmark, Czechia, Croatia. Not a big boy but occasionally blessed with some outstanding talent, but never the depth to really run with the big boys over a longer time frame.
Prior to their 1970s generation the Dutch weren't better either. In fact, they were below that level. As for Belgium, I think the players they have had for the last three major tournaments put them (and the reasonable expectations) well above Denmark, Czechia and Croatia during that time frame.
This year Hazard wasn't his former self and De Bruyne was injured. It's one thing if you have these guys healthy and at their best, laying an egg. But that wasn't the case here.
I guess that's fair. The QF exit this year might be more easy to justify than earlier exits, but in my mind it just drives home that the Belgian golden generation has now missed its chance.
Thing is, we never had elite coaching. That could have made all the difference in the world. Both Argentina '14 and France '18 were able to shut us down with relative ease - both times our manager didn't find any solutions to a defensive front.
No contest from me. I would say you had elite squads that were kept from achieving what they could have (and we might disagree here, but in my opinion: should have) achieved by coaching that wasn't close to the same level.