Belgium with poor showing

Belgium finished top of Group H having won every game, and although their performances weren't quite as electric as billed, they were on course. Against the USA, Marc Wilmots' side stepped up another gear and were denied a heavier margin of victory by one of the great World Cup goalkeeping performances from USA stopper Tim Howard. Things looked perfectly set for the Red Devils to challenge Argentina, a country hampered by the "one-man team" label.

But, for the biggest game of their recent footballing history, Belgium forgot to turn up - begging the question, would the USA have given Argentina a more thorough test?

Argentina scored an early goal - something that has proved to be particularly decisive in the latter stages of the tournament in Brazil - and Belgium appeared to have no answer. Not only that, but they also appeared to lack the means of summoning one. Wilmots made changes from the bench, but even the bustling shape of Romelu Lukaku couldn't save the day all over again.

Long before the day needed saving, both sides suffered from the hot temperatures as the pace of the game was dramatically affected. That was the only thing bringing sweat to the brows of the Belgian charges though. Their lack of intent in the final third was hugely disappointing and the final spell of long balls summarized Belgium's poor form.

Not-so 'golden generation'

Eden Hazard was labeled as one of the breakthrough young playmakers of 2013 and was expected to burst onto the big stage in Brazil. In reality, the only thing that burst was his reputation. The Chelsea man supposedly "saved" himself in the latter stages of the domestic season so as to be ready for the World Cup. Jose Mourinho, like the rest of us, must be wondering what all the fuss was about.

Teammate Kevin de Bruyne played better and was often Belgium's sole creator, but he struggled to carry Belgium's high expectations all on his own. Vincent Kompany also had a fairly solid tournament, but even his momentary lapses proved costly in a side that flattered to deceive itself through an easy group.

Marouane Fellaini has struggled ever since moving to Manchester United, which made his persistent selection all the more bemusing. His large, familiar frame did more to hinder than help in an already stagnant midfield. Dries Mertens appeared to have left his composure at home, while Kevin Mirallas looked half of the player he revealed himself to be at Everton last season.

With their star individuals not firing, Belgium should have turned to their collective. Sadly, that didn't help much either. They posed very few questions of a changed Argentinean defense and seemingly missed a rare opportunity to make World Cup history.

Perhaps it's a little harsh to be so critical of an international side that very few people paid attention to three years ago. A quarterfinal is a great achievement for such a young side, who will grow as a result.

On the other hand, given their confidence, their personnel and their pre-tournament form, it seemed only fair to expect this Belgium side to be capable of causing an upset or two. The one thing missing was experience, and this relatively young squad have gained a shovel's worth in 2014. With that now in their locker, it seems more likely that big things will follow in 2018, perhaps even 2016, for the Red Devils.