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It had felt that with the last few major tournaments, the ‘Golden Generation’ of Belgium was coming to an end. Following their best ever performance at a World Cup in 2018 when they reached the semi finals, Belgium were eliminated in the group stages four years ago where they failed to finish above Morocco and Croatia. Even in the group stages in the EUROs two years ago, all four teams in Belgium’s group finished with four points, and they progressed on goal difference, only to be defeated by France in the round of 16. But in qualifying, Belgium were imperious, finishing top of their group undefeated. Only one side scored more goals than Belgium in qualifying, with veteran Kevin De Bruyne top scoring with six.
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Real Madrid’s Courtois is widely regarded as being one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and its likely he will be vital to ensuring Belgium will go far this summer. The seven goals that Belgium conceded in qualifying was actually the highest of all the sides that topped their table, and were it not for their star goalkeeper, they may have struggled to make it to the Americas. They will face steeper opposition this time around though, so his heroics could be the difference, particularly in a penalty shootout situation.
