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Long regarded as a World Cup champion with her many talents, Belgium won their biggest scalp by beating Brazil five times to reach their second semifinal.
A "Golden Generation" with Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku came out in Argentina four years ago and had a great chance at Euro 2016.
Now in their premium, this group of players is unlikely to get better opportunity to win a big international tournament than next week, with France in the last four Tuesday.
AFP Sports examines here the rich resources of Belgium in all fields.
Courtois stands
The giant Chelsea cap needed every inch of his 6 feet 6 i nch (1.99 meters) to prevent Neymar from extending Brazil's overtime with an impressive break time on Friday.
"I know Neymar likes to wrap it that way, I was ready and I made a good stop," Courtois said.
"I have been unfairly criticized a lot this year, and today I have again proved who I am and why I am here."
Widely regarded as the only one in the world. one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Courtois won two Premier League titles with Chelsea and La Liga while he was on loan at Atletico Madrid. Save the display against Brazil was one of his best on the international stage.
Last chance for the aging defense
The pioneers of a wave of Belgian Premier League talents Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen fought Before the injuries of Toby Alderweireld this season, he and his teammate Tottenham Jan Vertonghen had been hailed as the best defensive partnership of the Premier League.
Vertonghen, 31, and Alderweireld, 29, do not have time either to their side
Kylian Mbappe's pace could cause problems in St. Petersburg Tuesday, but Belgium does not will not miss any experience. ] Midfield Masters
Coach Roberto Martinez has been criticized for failing to find the right balance to get the most out of De Bruyne at the start of the tournament but the bold tactical plan of the Spaniard worked perfectly against Brazil.
Marouane Fellaini took De Bruyne's place as a deep midfielder to free the Manchester City player of the year to play much further and have a devastating effect in scoring Belgium's second goal and his tournament premiere.
Captain Eden Hazard has always been brilliant, scoring twice against Tunisia in the group stage, and providing the crunchy center that Fellaini equalized in a thrilling 2-0 return to beat Japan 3-2 in the Last 16.
Like Belgium tired of the waves of Brazilian attacks in the second half, Hazard took his team to the field, winning free-kicks and easing the pressure, a sign of his growing maturity
Lukaku more than A striker
Still in the running for the Golden Boot behind Harry Kane, Belgium being now badured of two more matches, Romelu Lukaku showed another facet of his game up to now in knockout phase after scoring four times in the group phase.
Superb ball and model exit in final The match against Japan allowed Thomas Meunier to double Nacer Chadli's goal.
Against Brazil, Lukaku's match proved decisive as he beat Fernandinho and Paulinho in quick counterattack before serving De Bru. yne to break the house from the edge of the area.
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