Beware of the Red Devils ... Belgium, one of the favorites of this competition after having impressed in the playoffs (10 wins in 10 games, best attack) did not miss its debut.
The Belgians, semi-finalists of the 2018 World Cup, outclassed Russia (3-0) at home.
What you must remember
Three goals from four shots on target. Belgium has shown a cold realism by taking advantage of the defensive mistakes of the Russians. Without their strategist Kevin De Bruyne, victim of a double fractured nose and left orbit during the Champions League final with Manchester City against Chelsea, the Belgians opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Thrown into play by Semenov Lukaku when he was in an offside position, Lukaku adjusts Shenin with a low shot (1-0, 10th). On a cross from Mertens, the Russian goalkeeper pushes back but Meunier followed well (2-0, 34th). The former right-back of PSG who now plays at Borussia Dortmund had returned just before (27th) in place of Castagne, victim of a big shock with Kuzyayev (24th). If Russia did try to raise its level of play after the break, it was too approximate.The Belgians managed the score without really forcing it. The second period was marked by the entry of Eden Hazard (72nd). Long injured, the attacking midfielder of Real Madrid made his return to the selection in a friendly match against Croatia on June 6 (1-0). He hadn't worn the red jersey since November 2019. Hazard made some nice technical moves. And Romulu Lukaku, marked his entry territory by offering himself a double. Well launched in depth by Meunier, Lukaku takes Diveyev speed, and finds the level of the post of Shunin (3-0, 88th).He hadn't worn the red jersey since November 2019. Hazard made some nice technical moves. And Romulu Lukaku, marked his entry territory by offering himself a double. Well launched in depth by Meunier, Lukaku takes Diveyev speed, and finds the level of the post of Shunin (3-0, 88th).He hadn't worn the red jersey since November 2019. Hazard made some nice technical moves. And Romulu Lukaku, marked his entry territory by offering himself a double. Well launched in depth by Meunier, Lukaku takes Diveyev speed, and finds the level of the post of Shunin (3-0, 88th).
The fact of the match: the tribute to Eriksen
“Chris, Chris, I love you!
As he celebrated his opener, Romelu Lukaku rushed to a camera to deliver these words of comfort to his Inter Milan teammate Christian Eriksen;
victim of a serious heart attack during Denmark-Finland.
The accident of the Danish star caused great concern and upset the football world until reassuring news allowed the resumption of the match, finally won by Finland (1-0) almost two hours later.
The player: Romelu Lukaku
He should be a star of this Euro and one of the favorites for the title of top scorer.
By scoring a goal in the 10th minute and then doubling the lead in the 88th minute, Romelu Lukaku immediately responded to the many expectations reigning around him.
He brought his total to 62 international goals.
His performance is in line with this season where he took on an additional dimension.
Lukaku literally led Inter Milan to the Scudetto after 9 years of reign of Juventus Turin.
The powerful 28-year-old striker, passed notably by Chelsea (2011-2013) and Manchester United (2017-2019), was effective with his 30 goals scored in all competitions.
The number: 0
In seven confrontations, Russia has never managed to win against Belgium who won 6 wins to a draw. Belgium and Russia met after having been opponents in the qualifiers. The Red Devils had already won in the two confrontations (3-1 and 4-1).
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