Belgium’s home kit for the 2022 World Cup was certainly a clever idea by adidas. Opting for the traditional red body and black sleeves, the most striking aspect was the flame detail adorning the cuffs. Unfortunately, rather than signifying the heat Belgium would bring to the tournament, it proved the perfect uniform to symbolise the burning out of their “golden generation”.
It is undeniable that Belgium’s time in Qatar was nothing short of disastrous. A narrow win over Canada in the opening game was followed by a deserved 2-0 defeat to the plucky Moroccans, with exit confirmed in a spirited but ultimately drab goalless draw against Croatia.
Rumours swirled of arguments within the team. Romelu Lukaku was clearly not fit. Kevin De Bruyne declared pre-tournament they had no chance of glory as the squad was ageing. Then, less than a week after being dumped out, Eden Hazard announced his international retirement, with many feeling the waning star no longer warranted a starting place anyway.
While coach Roberto Martinez dismissed De Bruyne’s
