After a negative debut, Belgium showed an improved version and managed to recover in time to leave group E in an exciting situation.
The Belgians deservedly beat Romania, which means that all teams in the area, including Ukraine and Slovakia, are tied on three points. The group definition will be not suitable for cardiac patients.
Belgium took an early lead. In just 73 seconds of play, Lukaku pivoted inside the big area after a pass from Doku and Tielemans came from outside to score the 1-0.
This was the second fastest goal of this Euro Cup, only surpassed by Albania’s goal against Italy on the first date, which was a record in the history of the competition when it was scored in just 23 seconds.
Throughout the first half, Belgium showed its superiority in the game, despite some attempts by Romania, which showed a decline compared to its debut. However, they only managed to get a one-goal lead, as they were poor in finishing and found themselves with an inspired goalkeeper Nita.
In the second half, the development of the game was similar. De Bruyne had a chance, Lukaku had a goal disallowed, and finally, with less than 15 minutes left, Manchester City’s De Bruyne sealed the victory with the second goal.
The result was fair, reflecting what the match was like, despite some opportunities that Romania had to score. Belgium deserved even more, especially with the spaces their rival left when trying to score.
With this scenario, everything will be defined next Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. (Argentine time), when Slovakia will face Romania and Belgium will face Ukraine. The winners of those matches will advance to the next round.
In case of ties, the teams that will qualify directly will be Belgium and Romania due to goal difference, and we will have to wait to find out who will be the third classified.
