The “Red Devils” have a lot of trouble with the “Tricolorii” – and bad luck with VAR. One superstar continues to perform unluckily – another makes the decision late on.
First victory for Belgium at this 2024 European Football Championship – but a hard-fought one: The team of former Bundesliga coach Domenico Tedesco won 2-0 (1-0) against Romania, but, as in the 0-1 defeat in the opening match against Slovakia, left a lot to be desired.
Youri Tielemans (2nd) and Kevin De Bruyne (80th) scored for the “Red Devils”, but the Romanians kept up well for long stretches, confirming the strong performance from their 3-0 opening win against Ukraine. In the end, however, the underdog was not consistent enough in finishing against the more composed Belgians, with star striker Romelu Lukaku wasting a number of chances, and one of the attacker’s goals was annulled by the VAR due to an offside position (63rd).
This means that next Wednesday (6 p.m.) there will be a heart-stopping finale for a place in the round of 16. Belgium will then face Ukraine in Stuttgart, while Romania will face Slovakia in Frankfurt.
After just 73 seconds, Tielemans scored the opening goal with a low shot from Lukaku. It was the third fastest goal in European Championship history, which also delighted Belgium’s King Philippe in the stands.
The Romanians, who had started the tournament with a convincing 3-0 win against Ukraine, didn’t have to wait long for the response. Radu Dragusin had the chance to equalise just three minutes later, but his header was deflected over the bar by Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
The Red Devils, however, were more forceful and Lukaku had the chance to make it 2-0 after less than 15 minutes. However, the powerful striker’s shot was blocked at the last moment by a Romanian defender.
A little later, Lukébakio was thwarted by the brilliantly reacting Florin Nita in the Romanian goal. The 36-year-old saved his team from falling further behind again after half an hour with a spectacular save against Jérémy Doku.
Driven by the prudent ball distributors De Bruyne and Amadou Onana, the Belgians relentlessly attacked the goal of their rivals, who had reached the knockout phase of a European Championship for the first and so far last time 24 years ago. But they lacked the necessary efficiency in finishing, so they went into the break with a narrow lead.
Even after the break, Tedesco’s team kept up the pace. De Bruyne could have extended the lead twice, but the star of English champions Manchester City was initially unlucky in the finish.
Doku also failed to extend the lead. His shot after just over an hour hit the side netting. Lukaku had a better aim shortly afterwards, but was offside when De Bruyne passed the ball. Lukaku had already had two goals disallowed against Slovakia on Monday.
Belgium’s abundance of chances almost took its toll when a header from Onana landed at Dennis Man’s feet. But Casteels saved from the Romanian who was running free. The Belgian goalkeeper didn’t just shine at the back: his long ball into the goal landed at De Bruyne, who made the decision ten minutes before the end.