How the Belgium Football Team Can Overcome Their Recent Struggles

As I watched Belgium's recent friendly match unfold at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Wednesday, December 18 at 5 p.m., I couldn't help but feel that familiar mix of frustration and hope that comes with being a longtime supporter of this talented yet inconsistent squad. The Red Devils have been my football obsession for over a decade now, and their current struggles feel particularly painful because we all know what this generation is capable of achieving.

The background here is crucial - Belgium reached the World Cup semifinals in 2018 with what many called their "Golden Generation," but since then, they've been stuck in what I'd describe as a tactical identity crisis. Key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku aren't getting any younger, with De Bruyne now 32 and Lukaku 31, while their defensive organization has become increasingly fragile. During that match in Manila, I noticed how their high defensive line was getting exposed repeatedly - they conceded three goals from counterattacks that any top-tier team should have handled better.

What struck me most during that Wednesday evening game was how the team seemed to lack the fighting spirit they showed during their peak years. There were moments of individual brilliance, sure, but football isn't won through occasional flashes of genius alone. The real question facing this squad is how the Belgium football team can overcome their recent struggles, and I believe it requires addressing three fundamental issues. First, they need to transition from their aging stars to integrating younger talents like Jeremy Doku more effectively. Second, their tactical approach needs modernization - they're still playing like it's 2018 while other teams have evolved. Third, there's this mental block that appears during crucial moments, something that wasn't as evident during their golden period.

I spoke with several football analysts after the match, and former Belgian international Marc Degryse shared an interesting perspective with me. "The problem isn't the quality of players," he noted, "but rather how they're being utilized. Belgium needs to develop a clearer playing identity that balances their attacking prowess with defensive stability. The team conceded 12 goals in their last 8 competitive matches - that's simply not acceptable for a side with top-10 global ambitions."

Personally, I think part of the solution lies in being more pragmatic. During their successful period, Belgium often won ugly when necessary, grinding out results through determined defending and clinical finishing. Recently, they've been trying to play beautiful football even when it's not working, which explains why they've won only 4 of their last 10 matches across all competitions. The coaching staff needs to instill more flexibility in their approach, adapting to different opponents rather than sticking rigidly to one philosophy.

Looking ahead, I'm cautiously optimistic because the raw materials for success are still there. The emerging players like Doku (21 years old) and Lois Openda (23) bring fresh energy that could revitalize the squad if properly integrated. What I witnessed at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, despite the disappointing result, showed glimpses of what could be - moments of connection between veterans and newcomers that suggested the potential for renewal. The path forward won't be easy, but with strategic changes and renewed commitment, this Belgian team can certainly rediscover their competitive edge and make their supporters proud again.