Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com

Dave Petchy
Views: 44
0 0
Read Time:6 Minute, 42 Second

[ad_1]

Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – www.espn.com – SOCCER

, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com

Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com

DOHA, Qatar — First, it must be said that it’s not over yet as Belgium can still make it to the World Cup round of 16 with a win against Croatia on Thursday, but it still feels like something has come to an end. Regardless of what happens for Belgium, it feels like the end of a cycle and with that, the end of their famous “Golden Generation.”

2 Related

Following their 2-0 defeat against Morocco, the atmosphere inside and outside the team’s dressing room at the Al Thumama stadium on Sunday was heavy — almost too heavy after a shock result that came four days after a lucky 1-0 win against Canada in which their CONCACAF opponents dominated. Defender Jan Vertonghen had just spoken on TV, only to reveal that he would rather not say what was on his mind. The 35-year-old centre-back did express one thought, though. He hit back at Kevin De Bruyne, who told the world’s media that the squad was “too old,” and captain Eden Hazard, who claimed that “our defenders are not the fastest and they know it,” ahead of the match.

Vertonghen was quick to respond: “I guess we attack badly because we are also too old up front. We didn’t create enough chances.” The dig was so obvious that you could imagine the mood, and the impact of those words, within that dressing room.

To explain the decline of the No. 2 men’s team in the world (according to FIFA’s latest world rankings), it starts with what Vertonghen was willing to say. While the players denied any reports of a rift within the team, there are clearly some problems on the pitch that have their origins off it.

– World Cup 2022: News and features | Schedule | Squads

Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!

goldman casino online
GoldmanCasino.com, Est: 2015 - Known only for being Fair, Trustworthy, Fast Paying and its selection of over 2750 remarkable best in class casino, slots, live casino and instant with games.
Trusted Casinos Online
We List Only the Most  Trusted Casinos Online - All Casinos Have Real Money & Demo Free Play Mode Available.
100% Verified RNG, Player Funds Ring-Fenced
100% Verified RNG, Player Funds Ring-Fenced
Get ready for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with Rainbow Riches Megaways, the exciting new slot game that puts a twist on the classic Irish luck theme. With an incredible 117,649 ways to win, this game offers endless possibilities for big payouts and non-stop action. Spin the reels and keep an eye out for the leprechaun, who just might lead you to a fortune. With cascading reels, free spins, and an unlimited win multiplier, Rainbow Riches Megaways will keep you on the edge of your seat as you chase after that elusive rainbow. So put on your lucky charm and get ready to hit the jackpot in this magical and exciting adventure. PLAY WITH €£$100 Welcome Bonus NOW!

Dream Catcher is the Latest Live Casino Craze!
Play Dream Catcher and Win Up to 40x Stake at Goldman Live Casino!
Play in over 172 Countries with Multiple Currencies - and BitCoin Too! Spin the mystery wheel NOW!

Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!


*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

              secure-casino

100% Satisfaction Guarantee
100% Satisfaction Guarantee

playWild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!

Get ready to spin the reels of the Wild West with Dead or Alive, a thrilling slot game that will transport you to a time when outlaws ruled the land. Will you be able to hit the jackpot and come out on top, or will you be left six feet under? Only time will tell in this high-stakes game of luck and strategy. So grab your cowboy hat and get ready to ride into the sunset, because in Dead or Alive, it's truly a matter of life or death. Play Dead or Alive Slot with £$€100 Bonus NOW!

20 Book of Dead Free Spins!
$€£ Goldman Casino - £100 FREE Bonus Offer + FREE SPINS :)
Free spins from deposit

Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.

Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

register NOW!

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!

 
slotjar online slots casino
SlotJar.com: Est: 2014 - At Slot Jar it's all about the very best games, and strong banking for customers. At SlotJar players have 100% confidence in the casino to look after their interests. Fully Tried and Tested for YEARS!

fast payout casinosSlotJar Safe Online Casino

Join Thousands of Excited Players at SlotJar Today. SlotJar a firm favorite with players from across the globe. Since 2014 Slot Jar has held an enviable reputation for it's service to valued players. No wonder SlotJar is so popular, and visited so often.
Join Thousands of Excited Players Online and Mobile at SlotJar Today. SlotJar a firm favorite with phone casino and big and small money slots players from across the globe. Since 2014 Slot Jar has held an enviable reputation for it's service to valued players. No wonder SlotJar is so popular, and visited so often!

slotjar online slots casino

play

Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

lucks casino logo
LucksCasino.com: Est 2014 - Long Established, Paying out seamlessly every day for Ten Years!

Get 100% Bonus up to £200!*
LucksCasino Play Up to £$€200 FREE!
$€£ SMS Phone Billing Accepted - Top Live Casino Games

Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!

  • Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Reel King Mega
Reel King Features Reel King – 1-2 Reel Kings with 8-12 Spins Super King – 2-3 Reel Kings with 8-20 spins. Mega King – 3-6 Reel Kings with 8-25 Spins. Depending on which Reel King Feature you got, 1 – 6 Reel Kings will appear over the reels. The player begins on the leftmost position on the free spins trail, and each Reel King will spin his reels, with prizes available depending on the winning combination you get.
Reel King Mega
Reel King Megaways has 6 reels, and 3 or more matching symbols will form a win starting from the left-most reel. Each reel is capable of holding between 2-7 symbols, and all of these together will determine how many ways to win there are. Ways to win varies every spin depending on how many of these symbols show up on each reel, and can reach that much love 117,649 ways to win, which is maybe the defining feature from Megaways slots that we all know and love.

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

Secure PaymentsPlay Securely at LucksCasino.com

play

Trust

100% Bonus up to £200!
SlotJar Casino International $€£ - UKGC Site for Fast Cash Outs!
20 Free spins on Book of Dead from deposit

SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.

Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!

*18+ Only Full Terms Apply. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

A Top UK Casino Slots Amusements Game!
PLAY Lucks Casino Fishin' Frenzy Megaways - Special Feature for Big Wins!
Get 100% up to £200 Free Spins Bonus!

Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!


**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

A Top Site for Live Dealer Cash Outs!
Play Live Dealer Casino Cash Games with Lucks Casino UK! Pay $£€200 & PLAY £$€400 NOW!*
Choose from Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker!

Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!

*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Play Triple Edge Poker, Pay $€£200, Play £€$400*
Play Betsoft Triple Edge Poker at SlotJar.com Casino

Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.

The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:

  • Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
  • High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
  • Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
  • Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
  • Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
  • Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.

*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Our Pick - Play Now for 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead
TopSlotSite UK Bonus Offer HERE!
Best Selection of Games!

Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply

100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.


*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Top Slot Site in the World

Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.

Play Top Slot Site

topslotsite.com
TopSlotSite.com - For the slots enthusiast Top Slot Site has absolutely every thing set up for success.  Play with $€£100 Bonus at the World's Top Slot Site.

Our Pick - Play Now for 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead
TopSlotSite UK Bonus Offer HERE!
Best Selection of Games!

Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply

100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.


*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Goldman Casino 20p Roulette - For Big Wins!
Goldman Casino £0.20p / $€0.20c Roulette Promotion! Get 100% up to £$€100 FREE!*
+ 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Slot (min. deposit £10)

GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.

This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.

Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.

At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.

Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.

In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.

In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!


*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Play Goldman Casino

Choose from over 2800 Casino & Slots Games at LucksCasino.com! £$€200 Welcome Bonus
Choose from over 2800 Casino & Slots Games at LucksCasino.com! £$€200 Welcome Bonus
Get up to 100% Welcome Bonus NOW!

Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.

Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.

Get £€$200 Welcome BONUS NOW!

At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.

We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.

As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.

So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

100% Bonus up to £200!
SlotJar Casino International $€£ - UKGC Site for Fast Cash Outs!
20 Free spins on Book of Dead from deposit

SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.

Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!

*18+ Only Full Terms Apply. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

A Fantastic Slot with Unlimited Free Spins Potential!
Play Legacy of Dead Slot at TopSlotSite.com with 100% up to £$€100 FREE!
Top Slot Site is UKGC Regulated for a Sophisticated Experience

Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!

Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!


**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Get 100% Bonus up to £200!*
LucksCasino Play Up to £$€200 FREE!
$€£ SMS Phone Billing Accepted - Top Live Casino Games

Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!

  • Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*

*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

           

             secure-casino

Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!

play

Book of the Dead Online Slot: Book of Dead is a popular online slot game that has become a favorite among many players. Here are some advantages of playing the Book of Dead slot game: High Jackpot: The Book of Dead slot game offers a maximum jackpot of up to 250,000 coins, which is a considerable amount that can be won with just one spin. Free Spins: The game offers a free spins feature, where players can win additional spins without having to wager any additional money. This can increase the chances of hitting the jackpot or other significant payouts. Trust Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.
Book of the Dead Online Slot
Simple and Easy to Play: The game is straightforward to play and understand, even for beginners. The game's rules and features are easy to grasp, and there are no complex strategies or skills required to win. Mobile Compatibility: The game is available to play on both desktop and mobile devices, which makes it easy to play anywhere and anytime. Popular and Trusted Game: Book of Dead is a well-known and trusted game in the online gambling industry, with a large following of dedicated players. This means that players can expect a fair and reliable gaming experience. Bonus Features: The game offers a range of bonus features, including expanding symbols and gamble features, which can increase the chances of hitting big payouts. Overall, playing the Book of Dead slot game offers players the chance to win a significant jackpot, enjoy an exciting and immersive theme, and benefit from a range of bonus features, all in a simple and easy-to-play format. PLAY NOW WITH £$€100 Welcome Bonus!
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
100% Satisfaction Guarantee when you deposit and play this game at LucksCasino.com today. Check it out Now!

play

To name just a few things: there’s tension between some players in the squad, questions over why some were brought to Qatar (namely forwards Michy Batshuayi and Dries Mertens) or are in the starting XI (Hazard, Axel Witsel), interrogations over Roberto Martinez’s tactical choices, fitness issues for key players (like striker Romelu Lukaku) and clear frustration from others like goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (who smashed the side of the bench with his fist on his way back towards the tunnel) or De Bruyne.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

It has suggested that the loyalty shown by Martinez towards certain players is costing him and the team dearly. This Belgium squad is one of the oldest in the tournament — the average age of their starting XI against Morocco was over 30 — so where is the young talent? Cracks appeared during the training camp in Kuwait before the team arrived in Doha, but the issues have been there going back to Euro 2020, when they won their three group games and defeated Portugal in the round of 16, only to lose to eventual champions Italy in the quarterfinals.

Learn more about Gambling!  Ellen Barkin claims she filmed nude in 1989 Al Pacino thriller after director ripped off pubic wig

Belgium may well still move on at the 2022 World Cup, but there’s a sense of this being a last dance than a real chance of winning it all. Elsa/Getty Images

After the Morocco defeat, only a handful of Belgium players — Vertonghen, Courtois, Hazard, Amadou Onana and Timothy Castagne — stopped in the mixed zone to speak to journalists and they couldn’t agree as to what the issue was holding the team back.

Onana said that “there are no reasons to be worried, the only thing that was missing against Morocco were the goals.” For Castagne, on the other hand, it was far more negative. “We need to wake up. We haven’t see the real Belgium yet,” said the Leicester City defender. “Maybe we need a final to play, like the one against Croatia to kickstart our tournament.” [His point about a ‘final’ refers to the state of Group F: Belgium will definitely qualify with a win vs. Croatia, and will top the group if Morocco draw/lose. If they draw and Morocco win/draw, Belgium are out.]

Despite all their veteran players, there’s a clear lack of leadership within this Belgium team. The injury to Lukaku, who played just 10 minutes against Morocco on Sunday, has been a big blow on and off the pitch. Hazard has been a great attacking leader, but not the kind of vocal presence they need, not least because his fitness levels means he can barely play an hour before losing his influence on the game. De Bruyne is supposed to now be that leader in his stead, but the midfielder’s body language isn’t good and it’s clear he is frustrated. He gave away possession 28 times against Morocco — an incredible amount for a player of his skill and calibre.

Former Belgium captain Vincent Kompany said recently on ESPN’s Gab & Juls Meet: “[De Bruyne] needs a plan. Then, he will be the director and execute the plan to perfection with the players around him.” The problem is that there is no plan, which means no blueprint for De Bruyne. He doesn’t link up well with Batshuayi ahead of him, he struggles to connect meaningfully with Hazard next to him, as the latter is way past his best, or with Thomas Meunier, who is an inferior option at wing-back down the right flank.

The bigger problem for Belgium is that if De Bruyne is absent there is no creativity elsewhere in the side and, therefore, they offer little threat in the attacking third. “We almost don’t create any chances offensively, it’s not enough. We are creating nothing up front. We were lucky to beat Canada and [on Sunday], we didn’t have the luck. We deserved to lose,” Vertonghen added.

Learn more about Gambling!  NFL Saturday Divisional Round Preview: Only The Young Survive - uBetMobile.com

play

1:03

Eden Hazard speaks on rumours about changing-room turmoil and reacts to Kevin De Bruyne’s comments on the Belgium  team being “too old” to win the World Cup.

It also comes down to tactics. Martinez is out of contract after the World Cup and the mood right now feels like everyone has accepted this will be the end of his tenure, which began in 2016. The fact that he changed players or formations at half-time in both group games so far shows that his initial tactics have been wrong. Belgium are too flat and predictable when in position, while Martinez can’t make his mind up between a three or four-man defensive shape either.

Several of the players don’t understand why Martinez persists with a back three, which requires three central defenders. They find it dated and not suited to the personnel Martinez brought to Qatar, particularly with Alderweireld and Vertonghen in it. Belgium don’t have real wing-backs, either — another requirement for that formation — especially on the left, so why does Martinez insist on using players out of position?

Making any succession planning trickier is the fact that Martinez is also the technical director of the federation, and any potential exit would leave two big holes to fill. However, if Belgium are knocked out on Thursday, he will have no choice but to go. He would probably have to go if they are eliminated in the round of 16 too, should they make it.

When asked directly about his future with Belgium, Martinez has avoided the question, while sources have told ESPN that the federation will look into it after the World Cup. But right now, there is no plan B for the team moving forward, while no-one knows what the prognosis is for their current set-up.

Prior to Sunday’s defeat, Belgium had not lost a World Cup group game since 1994, when they were upset 1-0 by Saudi Arabia. It is a sad state of affairs for a nation that have produced some of the best individual players of the past 15 years. But how will their story end in Qatar? That’s up to the players to rally and get a result against a robust Croatia team at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on Thursday.

[ad_2]

#Belgium #struggling #World #Cup #talent

Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com

About Post Author

Dave Petchy

I am a passionate, dedicated guy who's been living in London for 10 years now. I love good food, being creative, cycling and having fun. I'm a firm believer that anything worth achieving is worth working hard for and that you should always challenge yourself to be the best version of you possible. I work as an editor at Petchy Media – the award-winning news site that makes quality journalism accessible to everyone. I've also written for The Guardian and worked with brands like Nike, Adidas and KFC on content production projects.
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
Happy
%
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
Sad
%
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
Excited
%
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
Sleepy
%
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
Angry
%
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
Surprise
%
Next Post

3 Jokers from Stakelogic – European Gaming Industry News - uBetMobile.com

[ad_1] 3 Jokers from Stakelogic – European Gaming Industry News – European Gaming Industry News Gaming Industry News ” /> Reading Time: 2 minutes   […]
, Why are Belgium struggling at World Cup, given their talent? – uBetMobile.com
error: Content is protected !!