‘What is the golden generation?’ asks De Bruyne after Belgium slumps again
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne gestures after missing a chance during a round of sixteen match between France and Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dusseldorf, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Hassan Ammar]
DUESSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Kevin De Bruyne stood, hands on hips, and tried to take it all in. Another major international tournament has passed Belgium after it lost 1-0 to France in the round of 16 at the European Championship in Duesseldorf. It was an all-too familiar feeling for one of the remaining members of his country’s so-called golden generation. Not that De Bruyne appreciates that tag. It feels like time is running out for the midfielder, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Friday. He couldn’t help his country to a title when surrounded by greats including Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Thibaut Courtois. And with those players no longer there, Belgium exited Euro 2024 with a whimper.
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Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne reacts after a 1-0 loss in a round of sixteen match between France and Belgium at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Duesseldorf, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Augstein