Can Belgium's Football Team Finally Win a Major Tournament This Year?

I remember sitting in a packed Brussels pub during the 2018 World Cup semifinal, watching Belgium's heartbreaking 1-0 loss to France. The collective groan that echoed through the room when Samuel Umtiti scored that header still haunts me. That moment encapsulates Belgium's golden generation - always promising, always falling just short. As we approach Wednesday, December 18 at 5 p.m., when Belgium faces their next challenge at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, I can't help but wonder if this might finally be their breakthrough moment.

Looking at their current squad, the numbers tell an interesting story. Belgium currently ranks 3rd in FIFA's world rankings with 1782 points, behind only Brazil and Argentina. Their golden generation, led by Kevin De Bruyne's creative genius and Romelu Lukaku's scoring prowess, has been together for nearly a decade now. De Bruyne alone has created 95 chances in major tournaments since 2014, the highest of any European midfielder during that period. Yet they've consistently fallen at the quarterfinal or semifinal stage - the 2016 Euros quarterfinal loss to Wales still stings, and their 2022 World Cup group stage exit was frankly embarrassing given their talent level.

What makes this particular tournament different, in my view, is the emergence of their younger players blending with the experienced core. Players like Jeremy Doku bringing fresh energy while Thibaut Courtois provides that veteran stability in goal. I've watched Courtois make what should have been 12 certain goals into spectacular saves throughout last season - his presence alone gives Belgium a confidence they've sometimes lacked in crucial moments. The timing of this tournament feels right too - many of their key players are in their prime rather than past it, unlike some previous campaigns where injuries or declining form hampered their chances.

The venue itself adds an intriguing dimension to their quest. Ninoy Aquino Stadium might not be the Bernabéu or Wembley, but I've always found that unfamiliar settings can either make or break a team's tournament hopes. Belgium's travel and adaptation to these conditions will test their mental fortitude - something they've been criticized for lacking in the past. Personally, I believe this could work in their favor. Without the overwhelming pressure of playing in a football-mad European capital, perhaps they can play with more freedom and less of that characteristic tension that sometimes grips them in big matches.

Their path to the trophy won't be easy though. Looking at potential opponents, they'll likely face teams that have historically caused them trouble. France has beaten them in three of their last five meetings, while Italy's tactical discipline has often nullified Belgium's attacking flair. But here's where I think manager Domenico Tedesco's influence could be crucial - his more flexible approach compared to Roberto Martínez's sometimes rigid system might just provide the tactical variety needed to overcome these historical hurdles.

What really gives me hope this time is seeing how this team has learned from past failures. They're no longer just relying on individual brilliance but developing a more cohesive team identity. The statistics show they've improved their defensive organization significantly, conceding only 8 goals in their last 15 matches compared to 15 in the 15 games before that. Small margins matter in tournament football, and these incremental improvements could finally push them over the edge.

As Wednesday evening approaches, I find myself more optimistic than usual about Belgium's chances. Maybe it's the timing, maybe it's the venue, or maybe it's just that this talented group has finally matured into the tournament team they've always threatened to become. While nothing in football is guaranteed, something feels different this time around. The heartbreak of previous near-misses might just be the fuel that propels them to finally lift that elusive trophy.