Following a 16-year absence, the Red Devils will return to the UEFA European Championship with their sights set on winning the tournament. One of the finest generations of players ever produced in this country could provide them their first piece of silverware ever. First though, they'll have to overcome the horror of being paired with Italy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden and the vibrant Republic of Ireland.
Coached by former midfielder Marc Wilmots, the Red Devils are gunning to redeem their pride, 16 years after putting up one of the worst performances ever by a host nation. Yes, they finished the 2000 European Championship tournament in 12th place. This time in France, with some of their brightest stars recovering their old form, it wouldn't be surprising to watch the Belgian crew emerge as serious title contenders.
Belgium's UEFA Euro history
This will be Belgium's fifth UEFA European Championship appearance, after unsuccessful appearances in 1972, 1980, 1984 and 2000. The Red Devils managed to reach the final of the 1980 tournament in Italy but lost 2-1 to champions West Germany. Belgium's most recent Euro adventure (16 years ago) ended as early as in the group stage. They began brightly by beating Sweden but then lost to Italy and Turkey. Curiously enough, the red-and-black crew will face Sweden and Italy again in France, this summer.
Belgium's current form
The Belgians have played 15 games since September 2014, and they have been able to put up quite an impressive record. Wilmots' side has won eleven, drawing two more and losing against Portugal and Wales. Belgium had another friendly match programmed, but due to the terrorist attacks in France, their warmup game against Spain was postponed before it eventually got cancelled.
Marc Wilmots' profile
Wilmots kicked off his coaching career soon after resigning as a senator in what was a heavily criticized move in Belgium. His first gig as manager came with his former team, St. Truiden, but he failed to make an impression and eventually faced the axe. He started working as assistant coach for the National Team in 2009, and was promoted by the Belgian Football Federation to take the top job. He successfully guided his team to the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals where they were narrowly beaten by Gonzalo Higuain's strike for Argentina.
Wilmots' coaching style demands top physical shape from his players, who have to contribute on both ends of the pitch. The former midfielder has been widely praised in his home country for giving the team a true identity, preferring ball possession over long balls or counter attacks.
UEFA Euro 2016 broadcasters in Belgium
VRT will have extensive coverage of all Euro 2016 matches in Belgium on TV, radio and online. They will be joined in their broadcasts by RTBF, operator of La Une and La Deux, who will also stream all 51 matches live online on RTBF Auvio Direct.
Go to Belgium's page for the team's full UEFA Euro 2016 fixtures and global online and TV listings.
Belgium's UEFA Euro 2016 roster
Eden Hazard was named team captain for the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
As mentioned earlier, Belgium has quite a stellar cast of players in every position. Some of them play for the most respected football teams on the continent. Chelsea's Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois have a talismanic impact on the Belgian squad, while Tomas Vermaelen and Mouse Dembelé provide stability to the team's defense and midfield. The most notable absence will be that of Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany who came down with an injury during the final weeks of the 2015/16 season.
Here is Belgium's official 23-man squad for Euro 2016:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
