UEFA EURO reporter's view: Belgium
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Article summary
As Belgium end their 16-year absence from the UEFA EURO finals, team reporter Berend Scholten is optimistic about their chances, despite injuries to Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts.
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Squad analysis
Missing out on injured captain Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Lombaerts – the favoured central defensive duo – leaves some puzzling for coach Marc Wilmots. If that issue is resolved satisfactorily, moments of magic from the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, as well as Romelu Lukaku up front, could make Belgium a force to be reckoned with.
One to watch
Atlético Madrid's 22-year-old winger Yannick Carrasco has only racked up four caps since his debut in March last year, but Wilmots likes his speed and depth. Carrasco becoming the first Belgian to score in a UEFA Champions League final only increases his chances of making his mark with the Red Devils.
How they'll play
Wilmots prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two holding midfielders and attacking full-backs who can support the three creative players behind the central striker.
What you won't know
Belgium return to the UEFA EURO finals for the first time since being co-hosts in 2000. Back then two brothers, Emile and Mbo Mpenza, were in the squad; in the current squad there are the Lukaku siblings, Romelu and Jordan. There might even have been another pair as Thorgan Hazard, younger brother of Eden, made the stand-by list.
How they'll do
Although captain Kompany is going to be missed, this Belgium squad is among their most talented ever. The Red Devils gained experience at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals, and have had two more years to mature since then. If the likes of Hazard and De Bruyne are at their best during the tournament, they ought not to fear many opponents.
Most memorable EURO moment
I have lived in Belgium for 18 years but grew up in the Netherlands, so the Dutch success in 1988 was huge for me. Everyone remembers Marco van Basten's beautiful volley that decided the final against the Soviet Union, but for the Dutch people the tournament was already a success when Van Basten decided the semi-final into 2-1 in Hamburg against hosts West Germany, sliding the ball in from Jan Wouters's cross to wipe out 14 years of frustration since the 1974 World Cup final in Munich.
What you're most looking forward to this summer
Being at the tournament, following the Red Devils' every step from start to finish – which hopefully will be at the very end on 10 July.
Follow Berend throughout the finals on @UEFAcomBerendS
