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Golden Generation Loses Its Shine
Belgium’s highly anticipated squad for Euro 2024 has been announced, and it has come with a startling omission. Thibaut Courtois, the celebrated Real Madrid goalkeeper, has been left out, prompting fans to lament the fading brilliance of what was once considered a ‘golden generation’—now seemingly downgraded to bronze in the eyes of supporters.
Controversial Absence Amid Injury and Conflict
The 32-year-old shot-stopper, boasting 102 international caps, will not be adding to his tally this summer in Germany. Courtois has been sidelined for most of the season due to a knee ligament injury and despite a brief return to play for Madrid earlier this month, his recovery has been fraught with setbacks. His omission follows a public spat with Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco, who Courtois has accused of dishonesty and underappreciation.
Belgium’s Squad Shakeup
While Courtois’s absence is the headline, Belgium’s 25-man squad has other surprises too. Axel Witsel makes a comeback from retirement after personal persuasion by Tedesco, and Jan Vertonghen, the nation’s most-capped player, is also named at 36. Stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku make the list, but Michy Batshuayi, despite an impressive goal tally, is another notable exclusion.
Belgium’s Euro 2024 Squad Revealed
The full roster for the upcoming tournament includes a mix of familiar names and fresh faces. Goalkeepers Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, and Matz Sels will be guarding the net, while the defense and midfield boast seasoned players alongside emerging talents. The forward line hopes to bring firepower with the likes of Lukaku and Trossard leading the charge.
Public Reaction to Squad Announcement
Belgium’s failure to secure silverware over the past decade, despite high expectations, has not gone unnoticed by fans. The latest squad announcement has sparked a mix of disappointment and resignation among the supporter base, with many doubting the team’s chances of making it past the quarter-finals and others predicting an early exit from the tournament.
Can Belgium Prove Critics Wrong?
As the squad prepares for the challenges ahead in Germany, the pressure is on for Belgium to rise above the skepticism and perform on the European stage. Will the exclusion of key players like Courtois and Batshuayi be their downfall, or can Tedesco’s chosen lineup restore the lustre to Belgium’s tarnished ‘golden generation’?
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