There were huge question marks over the ability of Belgium to win Euro 2016, despite the fact they are ranked as the second best team according to the world rankings.
However a lot of those question marks were expunged on Sunday night as the Red Devils hammered Hungary 4-0 in the last-16 of the competition. Marc Wilmots side may not have secured the win until the last 20 minutes, but in truth they were always a cut above their Hungarian opponents.
Wilmots’ ability to get the best out of the talented group individuals at his disposal was one of the biggest doubts surrounding the current Belgium squad. However, the players seem to be growing into this tournament and whether that is because of Wilmots influence is unknown.
One player who was outstanding against Hungary was Chelsea winger Eden Hazard. He looked to be at his electric best, terrorising the Hungarian defence, producing an assist and also scoring a stunning goal for the Red Devils.
This was the sort of display that was missing from the winger last season in a disastrous campaign at Chelsea. This was the Hazard who won Player of the Year in 2015 and when he is on that sort of form he is hard to stop.
It was not just Hazard who impressed though. De Bruyne had a lively game, as well as Radja Nainggolan and Alex Witsel in midfield. The defence may need some work and there may be bigger challenges ahead for Wilmots’ side, but on this evidence the Red Devils will be dangerous opponents for any side.
The Red Devils will now face Wales in the last-8 on Friday night in Lille, which is unlikely to be such a walk in the park for Hazard and Co.