By Samindra Kunti
June 13 – Belgium begin their campaign against Italy in what could be a defining tournament for the world’s second ranked team and its much vaunted players.
The Red Devils are no longer dark horses, but very much among the favorites. However, a nagging fear that the country’s golden generation of players might not deliver persists.
Anno 2000, Italywere European powerhouses. They reached the final of Euro 2000 before succumbing to France and David Trezeguet’s golden goal in added time. On the way to Rotterdam, the Italians outclassed Belgium in the group stages, 2-0 courtesy of goals from Francesco Totti and Stefano Fiore.
The result reflected the natural order and power balance of the day. Italy had won the European Championship in 1968 and, at the time, were triple world champions. Fast forward and today Italy go into the second match of group E as underdogs.
Belgium defeated the Azurri in a friendly in November 3-1, cruising to victory in a dominant second half. After a disastrous EURO 2000 campaign, Michel Sablon instigated Belgium’s footballing renaissance, focusing on player development, a 4-3-3 formation and institutional change.
Yet not all is well in the Belgian camp. Both the coach, Marc Wilmots and the FA, the KBVB, have repeatedly come under fire.
The KBVB has enjoyed much higher revenue due to Belgium’s renowned status in world football and participation in the last World Cup but a revenue of about €50 million for the KBVB has not prevented a deficit of €4.5 million, according to Belgian media. KBVB president Francois De Keersmaecker has been accused of poor and amateur management.
Against Italy questions marks remain over both Wilmots’s progress with the team and his tactical credentials. The defensive department remains a concern, while the number nine position is a conundrum.
Belgium’s last two friendlies were disappointing, with a 1-1 draw against Finland and a narrow 3-2 victory against Norway. In group E, the Belgian will also encounter Ireland and Sweden.
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