Eden Hazard (Part 4)

Hazard's journey in Belgian national youth teams was marked by notable contributions and promising performances. Starting with the under-17 team, he became a regular fixture, accumulating 17 appearances and scoring two goals. Notably, he showcased his skills in the Toto Cup, an esteemed international youth tournament held annually in Austria. Additionally, he featured prominently in the 2007 UEFA European Under-17 Championship hosted by Belgium, a tournament that garnered attention for his exceptional displays.


In a memorable homecoming match against the Netherlands, played in Tubize where he spent part of his youth career, Hazard made his mark by converting a penalty to secure a 2–2 draw. Throughout the championship, his performances drew comparisons to Belgian football legend Enzo Scifo, earning praise from media and coaches alike.Although Belgium endured disappointment in the semi-finals, narrowly losing to Spain in a penalty shootout, Hazard's influence was evident, notably in an own goal that nearly secured victory before Barcelona's Bojan Krkić equalized. Despite this setback, Belgium's third-place finish secured qualification for the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea, where Hazard continued to represent his nation.


Transitioning to the under-19 team in October 2007, Hazard's impact was immediate. He showcased his scoring prowess, netting his first under-19 goal in a convincing 5–0 victory over Estonia. Subsequently, he displayed his talent with a brace against Croatia. Hazard's leadership was evident in the elite qualification round, where he led the team in goals, notably scoring crucial goals against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.However, Belgium's journey in the 2009 European Under-19 Championship qualification was marred by a disappointing draw against Switzerland, which saw them narrowly miss out on qualification despite Hazard's early goal contribution. Despite the setback, Hazard's performances underscored his potential and established him as a key figure in Belgian football's future.


Hazard's journey with the Belgium national team began with much anticipation and scrutiny, particularly amidst interest from the French Football Federation. Despite being courted for the France national team due to his eligibility for French citizenship, Hazard remained steadfast in his allegiance to Belgium, expressing his strong connection to his Belgian roots.His debut for Belgium came against Luxembourg on 18 November 2008, where he made a notable impact coming off the bench. Hazard's debut marked him as the eighth youngest international player in Belgian football history, showcasing his early promise on the international stage. Under various managers, including Franky Vercauteren and Dick Advocaat, Hazard gradually solidified his position in the team, eventually becoming a starter and delivering impressive performances.


However, Hazard faced challenges, particularly during Georges Leekens' tenure as manager. Despite initially featuring as a starter under Leekens, Hazard found himself relegated to the bench due to concerns over his domestic form and perceived lack of defensive contribution during international matches. Despite intermittent struggles, Hazard demonstrated his quality with pivotal contributions, such as assisting goals and scoring his first international goal against Kazakhstan in October 2011.


However, controversies arose, notably during the match against Turkey in June 2011, where Hazard's disappointment with being substituted led to an incident dubbed as "Burgergate." Hazard's actions resulted in disciplinary measures and a suspension from subsequent matches, sparking debates and criticisms. Despite the challenges, Hazard's talent and determination ultimately shone through, leading to the lifting of his suspension and his continued involvement with the national team.Despite Belgium's failure to secure qualification for Euro 2012 following a defeat against Germany, Hazard's commitment and contributions remained undeterred. His journey with the national team, characterized by highs and lows, showcased his resilience and determination to represent his country at the highest level.


Hazard's international journey with Belgium has been marked by numerous highlights and memorable performances. He played a crucial role in Belgium's successful qualification campaigns for major tournaments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2016, showcasing his abilities as a key figure for his national team.In the 2014 World Cup, Hazard's contributions were instrumental in Belgium's journey to the quarter-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Argentina. His performances, including crucial assists and goals, highlighted his importance to the team's success on the world stage.

As Hazard's career progressed, he assumed greater responsibilities within the Belgium setup, eventually being appointed as captain for both Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His leadership qualities and on-field performances were evident, with notable displays against top opposition such as Brazil and France in the World Cup.During the 2018 World Cup, Hazard showcased his exceptional talent, earning accolades such as the Silver Ball award for the tournament's second-best player. His contributions, including goals, assists, and standout performances, played a significant role in Belgium's historic third-place finish in the tournament.


Despite facing challenges such as injuries, Hazard continued to represent Belgium with distinction. He reached a milestone of 100 caps for his country during the Euro 2020 qualifiers, further solidifying his status as one of Belgium's all-time greats.
Although injuries prevented Hazard from fully participating in Euro 2020, his impact was still felt, particularly in providing crucial assists during the tournament. Despite Belgium's eventual exit in the quarter-finals, Hazard's contributions highlighted his importance to the team's success.Throughout his international career, Hazard has been a symbol of Belgian football excellence, showcasing his skill, leadership, and determination on the world stage. His legacy as one of Belgium's greatest players is firmly established, leaving an indelible mark on the country's footballing history.

References

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