Watch Belgium vs Romania full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 22nd June 2024
The referee for this match is S. Marciniak
Game played at Cologne Stadium
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group E, Season 2024
Belgium 2-0 Romania: Red Devils Secure Crucial Victory in Group E
Belgium’s vital 2-0 victory over Romania in Cologne has left Group E wide open, with all four teams sitting on three points after two games. This result not only ended Belgium’s three-match winless run at major tournaments but also revitalized their chances of progressing to the knockout stages of UEFA Euro 2024.
First Half: Early Dominance and Record-Breaking Goal
Belgium, keen to bounce back from their unexpected defeat to Slovakia, made an explosive start. Jérémy Doku and Romelu Lukaku combined brilliantly to set up Youri Tielemans, who rifled home a right-footed strike past Romania’s Florin Niță. This goal, the third-fastest in Euros history, ended Belgium’s unwanted streak of failing to score in three consecutive major tournament matches.
Romania, however, did not capitulate. Koen Casteels, Belgium’s goalkeeper, had to be alert to parry over Radu Drăgușin’s header from a Marius Marin cross. Kevin De Bruyne, determined to make an impact, orchestrated a majestic run that led to Dodi Lukebakio’s shot, which Niță saved. Denis Drăguș then found a gap in the Belgian defense but was denied by Casteels, maintaining Belgium’s lead going into halftime.
Second Half: Sustained Pressure and Sealing the Victory
The second half saw Romania continue to threaten, with Valentin Mihăilă firing a speculative strike over the bar following a blistering counter-attack. The match’s pulsating pace persisted, with De Bruyne curling a right-footed attempt just wide before setting up Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku’s finish was ruled out for offside, marking his third disallowed goal of the tournament.
Romania’s Dennis Man had a golden opportunity to equalize in a one-on-one with Casteels, but the Belgian keeper denied him. De Bruyne then delivered the decisive blow, outmuscling Radu Drăgușin to score past Niță, securing the 2-0 victory for Belgium.
Key Highlights
- Early Goal: Youri Tielemans scored one of the fastest goals in Euros history, giving Belgium an early lead.
- Defensive Solidity: Koen Casteels made crucial saves to maintain Belgium’s clean sheet.
- De Bruyne’s Influence: Kevin De Bruyne played a pivotal role, assisting and scoring to ensure Belgium’s victory.
- Lukaku’s Disallowed Goal: Romelu Lukaku had another goal ruled out for offside, continuing his frustrating run.
Implications
- Group E Standings: With all four teams in Group E (Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine) tied on three points, the group is poised for an exciting final round.
- Belgium’s Revival: Belgium’s win rekindles their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
- Romania’s Challenge: Romania must regroup and aim for a positive result against Slovakia to advance.
Next Matches
- Belgium vs. Ukraine: Belgium will face Ukraine in Stuttgart, with both teams needing a win to secure progression.
- Romania vs. Slovakia: Romania will take on Slovakia in Frankfurt, in another crucial match for Group E.
Fans can anticipate a dramatic conclusion to Group E as all four teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages, promising plenty of excitement and potential twists.