2018 FIFA World Cup: Belgium aim big after miraculous comeback

World
Europe

02:14

With their stunning comeback against Japan in the books, Belgium can focus on their next formidable opponents, Brazil. But this Golden Generation of the Red Devils will enter the match against the five-time champions knowing they can pull off the unthinkable, even when the chips, and mussels are down. Mariam Zaidi reports from Brussels.

Belgium's golden generation, a star-studded squad with plenty of firepower and individual talent. But can they turn their club successes into national glory?

"Of course Belgium can win the world cup! We are one of the best teams isn't it ?"

Their last big success came in the 1986 World Cup, reaching the semis. So, hopes weigh heavy on the shoulders of these players.

AXEL WITSEL BELGIUM MIDFIELDER "Everybody talks about us, about the 'Golden Generation.' But, before I think we were maybe we were too young and we didn't have the experience. The last chance? After that I will be 33, so I don't know. I will play, we will play the World Cup like it's the last one."

ROBERTO MARTINEZ BELGIUM COACH "World Cups, they got no respect for generations from the past. It's about what you can achieve and how good we can be on the pitch."

Some question how good can Belgium be after Martinez cut 30-year-old Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan from his World Cup squad. The shock omission raised some eyebrows.

DRIES MERTENS BELGIUM FORWARD "Yes, he's very disappointed, but we keep talking about it for weeks. Now we must stand behind the coach and his decision. And the supporters too. Let's stop talking about it, or we can't win."

ROBERTO MARTINEZ BELGIUM COACH "We understand the reaction. I accept the reaction, respect the reaction, but we're not here to make popular decisions. We're not here to make easy decisions and it would have been very easy for me to accommodate names."

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "But that's the thing with the 'beautiful game,' he who dares wins. Mariam Zaidi, CGTN, Brussels."