'I think our chance was 2018': Kevin De Bruyne writes off Belgium's hopes for glory at the World Cup

Kevin De Bruyne has offered a bleak assessment of Belgium's chances to win the World Cup in Qatar.

The Manchester City star has been an integral member of his national side during their ascendency up the world rankings throughout the last decade.

However, after crashing out in the tournament's semi-finals in Russia, De Bruyne candidly wondered if Belgium's opportunity to capture the biggest prize in football has already passed them by.

'I think our chance was 2018. We have a good team, but it is ageing.' The 31-year-old explained in an interview with The Guardian.

'We lost some key players. We have some good new players coming, but they are not at the level other players were in 2018. I see us more as outsiders.'

Though the team have benefitted from their experiences at the highest levels of international football, De Bruyne explained how the physical demands of the game have become harder to contend with the older he gets.

'I am fully able to do what I need to do, but I feel the difference compared with eight years ago. I need more treatment, more rest.'

Under the stewardship of former Everton boss Roberto Martinez, Belgium entered the 2018 tournament with an unprecedented weight of expectations on their shoulders.

Saddled with the 'golden generation' label that was so detrimental to England in the past, the Red Devils reached the semi-finals of the competition for only the second time in their history, before being unceremoniously dumped out by eventual winners France.

With four years of additional experience under their belts, Belgium commenced their campaign in Qatar with a win, albeit perhaps not in any way as dominant as expected, over relative minnows Canada.

Martinez's side will look to continue their run towards World Cup glory when they take on Morocco in their second fixture of the tournament on Sunday, before rounding off their group against Croatia on Thursday.