Outclassed by the Netherlands (1-4), the Red Devils recovered well against Poland (6-1) but they called back, conceding the equalizer in Wales (1-1) Saturday in Cardiff, that they had undoubtedly arrived at the end of an exceptional cycle.

Relentlessly present in major events since 2014, "little" Belgium (11 million inhabitants) has often honored its status as world No.1 in the FIFA rankings, an anomaly now forgotten - it is N.2 - in a country where surrealism is king.

If she reached at least the quarter-finals of the last four tournaments (Worlds 2014 and 2018, Euro 2016 and 2021), she also demonstrated her tactical weaknesses each time a more solid pitfall presented itself against her: Argentina in 2014, Wales in 2016, France in 2018 and Italy in 2021.

The joy of the Italians, winners of Belgium, 2-1 in the quarter-finals of Euro-2020, despite a goal from striker Romelu Lukaku (c), on July 2, 2021 at the Allianz Arena in Munich Matthias Hangst POOL/AFP/Archives

A "burnt" generation?

Today, the sweet euphoria that accompanied this "golden generation" is fading.

“We will soon be able to speak of a burned-out generation”, we have heard in the spans of the King Baudouin stadium in recent days.

Louis van Gaal also went there with his little spade.

"Belgium is a team that's easy to push around because they don't put pressure on them. And when they do, they don't find solutions," explained the Dutch coach.

His playing master, Kevin De Bruyne, still at the top of his game at 30, preferred not to worry: "We can still achieve great things at the World Cup, but we will no longer be among the favorites."

Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne scores the 2nd goal against Polish goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski during their Nations League match on June 8, 2022 in Brussels BRUNO FAHY BELGA/AFP/Archives

Out of scope, the renewal of executives is long overdue.

The retirements of Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen have not been compensated in defense, Roberto Martinez continuing to rely on the experience of Jan Vertonghen (138 caps, 35) and Toby Alderweireld (120 caps, 33 year).

Italian striker Ciro Immobile, in the middle of Belgian defenders Jan Vertonghen (g) and Toby Alderweireld, in the quarter-finals of Euro-2020, July 2, 2021 at the Allianz Arena in Munich CHRISTOF STACHE POOL/AFP/Archives

Experienced but not very lively, both show their shortcomings, just like Dedrick Boyata (Hertha Berlin, 31).

For Philippe Albert, the former rough international defender, "it is no longer possible to deceive with such a cardboard defense".

- Young people in search of recognition -

At present, it is difficult to see better days in this sector, where Jason Denayer (26 years old) probably has the best profile but is often injured, as well as the young Zinho Vanheusden (22 years old, Inter Milan) .

As for the promises Wout Faes (Reims, 24), Arthur Theate (Bologna, 22), even Sebastiaan Bornauw (Wolfsburg, 23), Hannes Delcroix (Anderlecht, 23) or Koni De Winter (Juventus, 20), they have not confirmed at the highest level.

But the staffing problem is broader.

Against the Netherlands, the starting XI was 32 years old on average.

And apart from De Bruyne or Courtois, many executives have stuck their tongues out this season.

This is the case of Eden Hazard, who found a little pleasure after a nightmarish season at Real, but also Romelu Lukaku, whose return to Chelsea did not meet expectations, or Axel Witsel, Thomas Meunier, Dries Mertens and Divock Origi.

Belgian striker Eden Hazard, in the middle of Estonian defenders, during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar, November 13, 2021 in Brussels JOHN THYS AFP / Archives

Who to prevent the Devils from falling back into obscurity?

At 25, Youri Tielemans (Leicester) has broad enough shoulders to be one of the new generation captains in the same way as his teammate Timothy Castagne (27), Leandro Trossard (Brighton, 27) or even Yannick Carrasco ( Atlético Madrid, 29).

The joy of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, after opening the scoring against Wales, during their Nations League match, June 11, 2022 in Cardiff Geoff Caddick AFP

Belgium also relies heavily on Jérémy Doku, who had a difficult season with Rennes, and Alexis Saelemaeckers (AC Milan, 24), who managed to find a place for himself in the Italian champion team.

Finally, the Lille resident Amadou Onana (20 years old), who took his first steps in the selection, the nugget from Bruges Charles De Ketelaere (22 years old), whom Milan covets, or the attacker of Vitesse Arnhem, Lois Openda (23 years old), scorer for his debut against Poland, are all promises to follow...

© 2022 AFP