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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.
YANNICK CARRASCO PUTS BELGIUM UP! pic.twitter.com/foflT7vIvP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2021
ROMELU LUKAKU WITH THE FINISH!!! pic.twitter.com/oX98caR4Uy
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2021
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.
Benzema pulls one back for France! Game on! pic.twitter.com/Bqa9GCKrq7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2021
FRANCE TIE IT UP!! 2-2 pic.twitter.com/Sn7s0YQmms
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2021
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.
THEO HERNANDEZ WITH THE MATCH WINNER pic.twitter.com/e38I95Gj3Z
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 7, 2021
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
International Rank Entering Tournament: 11
Result: 1-0 Quarterfinal Loss To Argentina
2016 Euros
International Rank Entering Tournament: 2 (1 In UEFA)
Result: 3-1 Quarterfinal Loss To WALES
2018 World Cup
International Rank Entering Tournament: 3
Result: 1-0 Quarterfinal Loss To France
2018/19 UEFA Nations League
At 2-0 down, Switzerland needed four goals.
They scored five, including a Haris Seferovic hat-trick.It's them now going to the Nations League finals, not Belgium.
More: https://t.co/jBo8q6ZTc7 pic.twitter.com/q92euqAkK3
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 18, 2018
International Rank Entering Tournament: 1
Result: 5-2 Group Stage Loss To Switzerland Knocked Out Belgium From Semis
2020 Euros
International Rank Entering Tournament: 1
Result: 2-1 Quarterfinal Loss To Italy
2020/21 UEFA Nations League
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.
