22nd June, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Belgium bounced back from defeat to beat Romania 2-0 on Saturday to brighten their chance of qualifying for the knockout stage of Euro 2024.
Desperate to make amends after their shocking 0-1 loss to Slovakia, Belgium stormed into the lead two minutes into the match.
Romelu Lukaku spotted his teammate in a good position on the edge of the box and provided him with a nice pass. Youri Tielemans rifled a first-time shot into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0.
Three minutes later, Radu Dragusin rose above the opponent’s defence and headed a precise cross towards the roof of the net. His effort, however, was blocked by Koen Casteels, who pulled off a stunning save.
In the 18th minute, Dodi Lukebakio received a precise low pass inside the box, controlled the ball and released it towards the left post. Unfortunately for him, Florin Nita made a great save to stop his effort.
In the 31st minute, Jeremy Doku was the one to unleash a good effort towards the left side of the goal. His shot, however, was saved by the goalkeeper.
Kevin De Bruyne, shortly after the restart found himself unmarked in a promising position after receiving a cross on the edge of the box and his attempt sailed a whisker wide off the right post.
Lukaku appeared to have doubled for Belgium after putting the ball in the net. He latched on to a precise through ball from Kevin De Bruyne before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the bottom left corner from the edge of the area, but the referee ruled out the goal after VAR’s review.
De Bruyne, however, made it 2-0 for Belgium after scoring with a brilliant shot into the bottom right corner after being released inside the box by a superb lofted pass from Koen Casteels.
In the 89th minute, Lukaku received a pass inside the box, controlled the ball and drilled it towards the left post. Unfortunately for him, Nita made a great save to stop his effort.