What is your first memory of the Golden Generation of the Red Devils?
For some it is the exhibition victory against the Netherlands, others even go all the way back to Beijing 2008. Discussion about that exact starting point will always be there.
But bet that the images of October 11, 2013 are etched in everyone’s memory?
Romelu Lukaku, who is sent off by Steven Defour in a rain-soaked Balkan stadium in Zagreb, then passes goalkeeper Pletikosa and finds the empty goal.
Fifteen minutes later, a rush of 60 meters from the twenty-year-old striker follows. After half an intervention by the Croatian keeper, Lukaku can run the ball over the line.
After 11 years of waiting, the Red Devils are allowed to go to the World Cup again. The first sporting climax of a generation that would often touch the country.
Now we are two (successful) World Cups and as many (unsuccessful) European Championships later. Again the Devils face Croatia, but in completely different circumstances.
Perhaps there will be 7 basic players from then tomorrow at the kick-off. The great promises of that time have now become routines – think of Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Witsel and Hazard.
A low point must now be avoided against the vice world champion. “Because you don’t wish this generation to end with a failure,” says our analyst Peter Vandenbempt.
Maybe Romelu Lukaku of all people can bring out the old magic again.
Due to that annoying hamstring injury, his contribution to this tournament was limited to a fifteen-minute substitute (without impact) against Morocco.
But for that he has not worked himself out with Lieven Maesschalck in recent months. Just like in Zagreb and at the previous major tournaments, the record shooter wants to bring the country to seventh heaven again. Again with Croatia as a trampoline.
Let’s wait and see how many carats are left in our Golden Generation.
