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Belgium Cements Itself As Top Choker In International Soccer After Blowing 2-0 Lead To France

The last time Belgium’s national team missed a major tournament was Euro 2012. Since then, the nation of 11.5 million has quickly become the best international team in the world per FIFA’s somewhat arbitrary ranking system. Despite the success, the last time Belgium was in a final was Euro 1980, losing to Germany 2-1.

Belgium’s chances of seeing a final for the first time in 41 years was blown spectacularly on Thursday when France came roaring back from two goals down to defeat the Belgians in the UEFA Nations League semifinals.

The long-awaited final looked like it was firmly in Belgium’s grasp after two quick goals in the first half.

France looked a different team in the second half, and while Belgium did its best, the French class proved to be too much in one of the most exciting games.

Romelu Lukaku thought he had won the game after putting the ball past France’s Hugo Lloris with only minutes left in the game. A VAR review chalked off the goal and then Theo Hernandez sunk the Belgians in the 90th minute.

This painful loss is nothing new to the poor Belgians. The past seven years have brought nothing but sadness for Belgium fans. Since Aug. 2018, Belgium has been ranked No. 1 in the world yet has failed to make a final. A look at past tournaments paints a sad history of bitter Belgian defeat.

Past Belgium Tournament Losses (Since 2014)

2014 World Cup

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International Rank Entering Tournament: 11

Result: 1-0 Quarterfinal Loss To Argentina  

2016 Euros

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International Rank Entering Tournament: 2 (1 In UEFA)

Result: 3-1 Quarterfinal Loss To WALES 

2018 World Cup

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International Rank Entering Tournament: 3

Result: 1-0 Quarterfinal Loss To France

2018/19 UEFA Nations League

International Rank Entering Tournament: 1

Result: 5-2 Group Stage Loss To Switzerland Knocked Out Belgium From Semis

2020 Euros

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International Rank Entering Tournament: 1

Result: 2-1 Quarterfinal Loss To Italy

2020/21 UEFA Nations League

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International Rank Entering Tournament: 1

Result: 3-2 Loss To France

Maybe Qatar 2022 will be Belgium’s time to shine, but I highly doubt it.

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