Axel Witsel (left) and brothers Eden (middle) and Thorgan Hazard are disappointed after leaving the group stage.Image: BELGA / Virginie Lefour
World Cup 2022
For a long time, Belgium, with top players like Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard or Romelu Lukaku, was considered the secret favorite in international tournaments – This is also the case ahead of the controversial World Cup in Qatar. The Belgian guy National team had to admit defeat against Morocco and Croatia.
After just three games, coach Roberto Martínez’s side were eliminated with only four points. With the best players being almost all in their thirties, this could have been one of the last chances to win a title. Following the group’s exit, Martínez then quit.
However, not only Martínez’s resignation caused discussions in the Belgian fan camp. Kevin de Bruyne had previously described himself and his opponents as “too old” and probably even caused arguments within the squad.
Now the Belgian newspaper reports “A Laatste Nieuws“that even five stars returned to Brussels on their own initiative so as not to be on the plane with the team. According to the report, Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier, ex-BVB star Axel Witsel, Jeremy Doku (Stade Rennes), Arthur Theater (Stade Rennes) and Lois Openda (RC Lens) paid for their return journey and arrived home before the Driver of the Belgian team.
However, the separate return flight would not be the first sign that the Belgian side were at odds at the World Cup in Qatar. Even before de Bruyne’s criticism of the national team’s age, the Manchester City star was at odds with Toby Alderweireld on the pitch. Canada argued.
Toby Alderweireld (left) and Kevin de Bruyne have a heated discussion during the first group game against Canada.Image: AP/Martin Meissner
Jan Vertonghen ironically explained the defeat after the second group game against Morocco (0-2): “We are probably attacking so badly because we are too bad. That must be it, right?
All in all, with some Belgian stars returning home separately, a tournament in which the Red Devils would certainly have liked to play a bigger role is coming to an end. Who will be the new national team coach and who should reform the players in a team is currently still open.
After a disappointing performance, the German national team was once again eliminated in the preliminary round of the World Cup. As early as 2018, the DFB team had to return after the World Cup group stage in Russia, and Germany almost reached the knockout stages of the European Championship last year.
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