The postponement of the European Championship to 2021 has raised very similar currents of opinion in Belgium. AS has consulted five journalists from local media who in this regard have underlined the names of Eden Hazard and Roberto Martínez. Also, because of being questioned by a Spanish newspaper, Thibaut Courtois.
The main beneficiary, those asked agree, is Hazard. “For him it could be better because he will not have to force: good for Madrid, good for Belgium. One more year will not matter for him (he will be 30) or for Courtois, who has always been excellent with the selection “, explains Kristof Terreur, from HLN, the journalist closest to the Belgian players. Out there throws too Vincent Blouard of L'Avenir: “Many people are happy because it is good for Hazard.” And Hannes van Gael, from Voetbalkrant: “Great news for him because there were some doubts if he would arrive fully recovered by the start of the tournament. It is Belgium's biggest advantage for 2021. “
But not everything is rosy, and the most categorical about it is David Van den Broeck of Het Nieuwsblad: “My feeling is that (the postponement) is a disadvantage. We are concerned, above all, about the defense and his age. “ Although he does not forget Hazard and highlights that “our captain and star will recover in normal time, without pressure, and will be at its peak in 2021”, at the same time it points to a matter that is being discussed in Belgium. This is how Terreur analyzes it: “This summer had always been seen as the last great opportunity for glory for Belgium. The golden generation is also the 'old'. Our best players will be 30 or older, except Lukaku. ” Blouard translates it into data: “Kompany will be 34 years old, Vertonghen 33, Alderweireld 32 and Vermaelen, 35”.
François Laurent, from Sudpresse, supports it and broadens the focus to another detail: “It is bad news for some players by age and condition, as well as why This summer Belgium was going to arrive after 30/30 in points and as number 1 in the FIFA Ranking. It is not a title, but it generates respect in the rivals. ” “Our last great opportunity may be gone”, Terreur sentence.
“For Courtois nothing changes”, assures the quintet. “It will come at a perfect age, plus an extra year of experience at one of the biggest clubs in the world,” says Van den Broeck. “The Belgians are happy for him after so much criticism in Spain at the start of the season”, Blouard recalls.
Yes restless, although there is confidence that it will be solved soon and well, the situation of Roberto Martínez, who ends his contract in June. “I had to give an answer before the Euro”, Blouard himself says. “I think the Federation, which will stop earning 2.7 million when this month's tournament in Qatar is canceled, will get this good news. But will it renew for a year, two to also be in the 2022 World Cup? “, Laurent launches …