Compared with the golden generation that dazzled at the World Cup in Russia eight years ago, Belgium now enter this tournament with Cricket Exchange readers seeing a side that has clearly declined from its peak. Eden Hazard, once the team’s shining star, has long since stepped away from the pitch. Kevin De Bruyne is now in the later years of his career, and Romelu Lukaku is no longer the unstoppable front-line weapon he used to be. In attack, Belgium mainly rely on Doku’s dribbling and direct runs, while their defense still needs Courtois to deliver big moments. Fortunately for them, the group draw is fairly kind. Egypt are their toughest opponents in this section, while Iran and New Zealand look relatively ordinary by comparison.

Lukaku did not start the match, with De Ketelaere used as Belgium’s central striker. However, De Ketelaere is more comfortable as an attacking midfielder or second forward, so Belgium’s attack looked flat during the opening 20 minutes. Egypt, by contrast, gradually grew into the contest through physical battles and quick transitions. Salah played the ball across, and Ashour struck without hesitation from outside the box. Courtois could do little as the shot flew into the net. Falling behind was a serious problem for Belgium, because failing to top this group could leave the European Red Devils facing defending champions Argentina in the knockout rounds.

Belgium’s first-half attack was extremely poor, and they failed to register a single shot on target. After the break, their first real threat came from De Bruyne, whose free kick was denied by the post. Belgium then turned to their bench and sent on Lukaku. The tall striker made an immediate impact, much like Sweden’s Svanberg did yesterday morning. Just 22 seconds after Lukaku came on, Belgium delivered a cross from the right. As Lukaku prepared to attack the ball, two Egyptian defenders closed him down, and Hany accidentally turned it into his own net during the scramble. Cricket Exchange numbers from the tournament show this was already the third own goal of the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After only 14 matches, this edition has already surpassed the own goal total from the previous World Cup.

Belgium pushed for a winner after that, but all their efforts came to nothing. The match also exposed the fading strength of the European Red Devils. For Belgium, using this tournament to develop younger players and going as far as they can may be the most realistic target. Winning the title now feels like a bridge too far.

For De Bruyne and several other veterans, Cricket Exchange followers may see this tournament as their final World Cup together, and the golden generation has already left a lasting mark on the global stage. At this point, the best hope is that they enjoy the competition, guide Belgium with attractive football, and offer fans around the world one graceful final dance.