Only Courtois, De Bruyne, Meunier, Lukaku and 37-year-old Axel Witsel remain from the Belgium team that finished third in 2018.
But Wednesday’s return was evidence that the remnants of their golden generation could still play an important role this time around.
Meunier provided Lukaku’s cross for goal, with Courtois remaining their number one.
And although De Bruyne was sent off in the 58th minute to his obvious disappointment, Belgium could still rely on the former Manchester City playmaker for creativity as they prepare for their Round of 16 clash with hosts USA.
Lukaku, meanwhile, was not only the turning point but also the peacemaker as teammates Tielemans and Trossard argued with each other during the second-half break.
“They are at each other’s throats and everything is boiling, which doesn’t look good. Even the coach noticed it too,” Dublin said.
Tielemans played down the incident after the game, saying: “It’s the emotion of the moment. We are all winners. We all want to win. Do everything right. Representing our country well is all part of it. It’s part of football.”
“After that there were no problems.”
They may be far from perfect, but Belgium and their old guard have shown that they still have the quality and resilience required to perform at this World Cup.