Belgium faces the Republic of Ireland on Saturday in Bordeaux in a game they cannot afford to lose, after the Red Devils opening game 2-0 defeat against Italy.
Marc Wilmots side have a highly-rated squad of individuals with the likes of Premier League stars Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku in attack and Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld in defence.
That’s just the Premier League contingent, but for all their supposed talent Wilmots side were naïve in their opening game against an experienced Italian outfit. They did not play like a team, more like a group of individuals and that’s why they struggled against the well-organised Azzurri.
The game against the Republic of Ireland is another chance for the Belgians to prove that they deserve to be ranked as the second best team in the world. If they do then Belgium’s golden generation will be regarded as flops.
However, Ireland are unlikely to be easy opponents. They enjoyed the better of their opening game against Sweden, who were fortunate to claim a 1-1 draw in the end. The Irish team’s spirit has seen them record big victories under Martin O’Neill, including a 1-0 win over world champions Germany in qualifying.
If Belgium’s golden generation are to fulfil their potential then the talented individuals need to prove they can play as an effective team on the big stage. Italy are tough and experienced, but Ireland will offer a different threat.
It remains to be seen if Wilmots side can produce and record the win needed to prove themselves on the big stage, but the signs from the first game were encouraging for the Red Devils.