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BELGIUM fans packed into the centre of Brussels today to welcome their World Cup heroes home.

Eden Hazard inspired the Red Devils to a solid tournament - just missing out on the final after a narrow defeat to France.

Belgium talisman Eden Hazard looks out as the packed square
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Belgium talisman Eden Hazard looks out as the packed squareCredit: Reuters
The centre of Brussels was a sea of red as fans waited for Belgium to appear
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The centre of Brussels was a sea of red as fans waited for Belgium to appearCredit: Reuters
There was a party atmosphere in the streets after a successful World Cup
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There was a party atmosphere in the streets after a successful World CupCredit: Reuters
Eden hazard leads the party behind a giant Belgian flag
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Eden hazard leads the party behind a giant Belgian flagCredit: AFP or licensors

And after securing third place by beating England for the second time this summer, thousands of supporters packed the Grand Place to wait for their heroes.

After the tournament Roberto Martinez immediately set his sights on going even further next time.

He said: “We wanted to win it. When you beat Brazil and get into the semi-final, the focus has to be to try to win the World Cup.

“But you need to be realistic when you finish the tournament and look back.

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The Grand Place is Brussels was standing room only
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The Grand Place is Brussels was standing room onlyCredit: Reuters
Fans brought drums while others dancesd along
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Fans brought drums while others dancesd alongCredit: Reuters
Belgium were welcomed home as heroes after a third-place finish
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Belgium were welcomed home as heroes after a third-place finishCredit: EPA
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“These players made history back in Belgium and that’s all that matters. These players deserve to have that accolade.

“The generation of Mexico 86 set a real inspiration and real vision for all the footballers in Belgium.

“Now this group of players overcame that and that’s historic; it took 32 years to be able to be in this position, so there’s real satisfaction and real success.

King Philippe of Belgium greets Romelu Lukaku
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King Philippe of Belgium greets Romelu LukakuCredit: BELGA
Queen Mathilde was also present as the squad got a royal welcome
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Queen Mathilde was also present as the squad got a royal welcomeCredit: BELGA
One supporter was treated by paramedics on a warm afternoon
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One supporter was treated by paramedics on a warm afternoonCredit: Reuters
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“It’s the manner we achieved that – the football we played is Belgian football, it’s our brand.

“And the togetherness and flexibility we had tactically shows what we want to be as a footballing nation.

“It has been a really nice journey, a really successful journey but in football you need to look forward and try to improve in the next opportunity that we have.”

A red sea is ready to greet the Belgium squad when they emerge
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A red sea is ready to greet the Belgium squad when they emergeCredit: Reuters
The players have done their country proud in Russia
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The players have done their country proud in RussiaCredit: EPA
Belgium lost to France in the semi-finals in a narrow defeat
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Belgium lost to France in the semi-finals in a narrow defeatCredit: Reuters
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