World Cup 2018: Belgian fans have high expectations for golden generation

World
Europe

03:26

Star-studded, talented, strong - these are the words people use to describe the Belgian national team. They're known as the golden generation. With high expectations from their fans, the players say they'll compete like it's their last World Cup. Mariam Zaidi reports from Brussels.

Belgium's golden generation, a star-studded squad with plenty of fire-power 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, aren't we? Go Belgium !"

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

Tubize a small town 30km from the capital Brussels. Final preparations are underway in earnest before the squad heads to Russia.

AXEL WITSEL BELGIUM FOOTBALL PLAYER "Everybody talk 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 MANAGER BELGIUM "Nations like Argentina, Spain, Germany, France, Brazil, probably they have a psychological edge to any other nation in the World Cup but that doesn't mean anything else. 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 FOOTBALL PLAYER "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 MANAGER BELGIUM "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."

Over to the last round of 'friendly' games. Fans gather to see their team play Costa Rica. But, mixed feelings all around over their team's chances as the World Cup approaches.

ROMAN FAN "I hope they win the world cup, but it's difficult. Yes, we are very strong, but some other teams are also very strong."

"There are many strong individuals, but they must improve the team spirit."

PIERRE FAN "We have a good team but we're not ready yet to win a big contest. The quarter finals will be the crucial point. I think that's going to be difficult."

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "Belgium are cruising to victory in this friendly game against Costa Rica and when they get to the World Cup, some predictions give them a 71% chance of reaching the knock-out stage but only a 4% chance of lifting the cup. But that's the thing with the 'beautiful game,' he who dares wins. Mariam Zaidi, CGTN, Brussels."