Belgium's "golden generation" is finally living up to its billing at the European Championship.
Expectations have long been heaped on a group of players led by Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu lukaku, and the team has struggled to deliver.
Now, Belgium has qualified for a place in the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 after a convincing 4-0 victory against Hungary on Sunday at the Stadium de Toulouse.
Considered as one of the pre-tournament favorites, Belgium faced stinging criticism after a poor start to the tournament, losing 2-0 to Italy in its opening group match. Since then, the team has rebounded and kept three clean sheets against Ireland, Sweden and Hungary.
"We have been criticized," Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said. "But we don't pay attention to that. We have switched off. We don't really care what people are saying about us."
Having lost in the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup to Argentina, Belgium has now reached the same stage at Euro 2016 — and faces a far more beatable opponent in Wales when they meet on Friday in lille.
And there is no lack of ambition.
While De Bruyne had a good game against Hungary, it was Hazard's superb performance that made the difference, especially in the closing stages.
Defender Toby Alderweireld opened the scoring with a header in the 10th minute, but Belgium had to wait before securing the win, thanks to some moments of brilliance from Hazard.
The Chelsea playmaker provided the pass for substitute Michy Batshuayi to tap home in the 78th minute, and then scored a spectacular solo goal after a mazy run two minutes later. Yannick Ferreira Carrasco added the fourth.