Belgium

Belgium 2018 Home

Aside from the front pattern, a very plain shirt. However, it is quite a nice one, with a sort of variable checkerboard of the Belgian flag colours. Done as a homage to the 1984 kit, it does work pretty well while not being a total copy. However, the badge feels larger than it needs to be and the rest of the shirt is too plain, they’re definitely a strange nation for kits.

Primarily used in the 2018 World Cup, Belgium were tipped to possibly win the whole thing, but fell in the semi-finals to France after a dominant group stage against Tunisia, Panama and England. Their 3-2 comeback win against Japan was hailed as a masterclass and they disposed of Brazil fairly comfortably too. One defensive lapse from a set piece in the semis later, they were taking out their frustrations on England once more.

This run was atypical of Belgium who are more typically competitive but underwhelming. They first escaped the 1^st round of the World Cup on their sixth attempt, even coming 4^th in 1986, but have repeatedly had qualification gaps while they recycle their squads. Only having qualified for 6 European Championships, they got 3^rd in 1972 and 2^nd in 1980 but have otherwise struggled for consistency. If nothing else, they deserve respect for a 3 week boat travel to the 1930 World Cup, all for 2 losses!

As a women’s side, they’ve been less successful. Strict qualifying restrictions prevented them from the 2003 World Cup but they’ve generally only been middling. Their sole major tournament qualification came for the 2017 Euros where they came 3^rd in their group, though played well, ending with 0 GD. While underwhelming at the Cyprus and Algarve Cups, they did managed a 3^rd place at the 2019 Cyprus Cup and came 6^th at the following Algarve Cup. They look well on track to continue their rise with a Euro 2021 place. Their men’s youth teams (except for U17) have been underwhelming with one Olympics qualification since 1928 (came 4^th though), two U21 Euros qualifications (1 semi-final) and 1 U19 Euros qualification. 13 U17 euros qualifications and 3 3^rd places since 2007 shows they have the ability though. The women’s youth sides are more successful at U19 level, with 4 qualifications, though the U17’s sole appearance at a Euros resulted in a 4^th place!

Starting off well, with a 3^rd place in the first UEFA Futsal Euros, Belgium have fallen into a pattern of semi-regular qualifiers, qualifying for 4 of the next 10 Euros and never placing higher than 7^th. Their women’s and youth futsal sides only have 1 qualification attempt under their belts and were unsuccessful. The men qualified for the first 3 Futsal World Cups, coming 4^th in 1989, but have not returned since. In beach soccer, Belgium were active in the middle of the 2000’s, with 4 Euro Beach Soccer League appearances (and one declined World Cup play-off invite). They last played in 2009, where they reach the Round of 16 in UEFA’s World Cup qualification.

Really expected to make their mark with their current golden generation, Belgium haven’t quite managed it yet. Will we see more in the next Euros? They’re expected to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and reach the knock-outs but can they deliver more?