UEFA Euro 2024 – Group E
Belgium…..2
Romania…..0
Goals in each half by Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne have set the stage for an exciting finish in Group E of UEFA EURO 2024.
After Belgium’s victory over Romania in Cologne, all four teams in Group E are now tied on three points. Belgium, with the help of Tielemans and De Bruyne, managed to overturn their opening loss against Slovakia with a dominant performance. They wasted no time in making their mark, scoring a goal within two minutes in Cologne. Romelu Lukaku played a key role in setting up Tielemans, who fired a powerful shot past Florin Niță. This goal, scored at 73 seconds, is now the third fastest goal in EURO history.
Romania quickly retaliated, with Radu Drăgușin forcing a brilliant save from Koen Casteels with his aerial prowess. Doku and Lukaku continued to combine well, with Lukaku’s shot deflected wide. A trademark run from De Bruyne created an opportunity for Dodi Lukébakio to test Niță, but the goalkeeper made a fantastic save and followed it up by denying another shot from Doku.
Edward Iordănescu’s team remained unfazed. They ended the first half strongly, took control of the game after the break, and came close to scoring when Valentin Mihăilă broke free but missed the target. De Bruyne had two near misses and his influence on the game was growing, as he frequently combined with Lukaku. Casteels came to Belgium’s rescue by denying Dennis Man when the winger managed to get past the defense.
That save turned out to be crucial, and Casteels then became the provider by making a long clearance, with De Bruyne anticipating a slight touch and stretching out to guide the ball into the net for the second goal. Romania continued to press forward, but Belgium held on in the final moments to kickstart their campaign.
Line-ups
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate (Debast 77); Tielemans (Mangala 72), Onana; Lukébakio (Trossard 56), De Bruyne, Doku (Carrasco 72); Lukaku
Romania: Niță; Rațiu (Sorescu 90), Drăgușin, Burcă, Bancu; M Marin (Olaru 68); Man, R Marin, Stanciu, Mihăilă (Hagi 68); Drăguş (Alibec 81)
