Belgium battle Romania in a vital Euro 2024 group stage match in Cologne. The Red Devils were left stunned 1-0 by Slovakia, with Romelu Lukaku frustrated after two goals were ruled out by VAR.
Nicolae Stanciu, Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus all scored on a historic day for Romania in their opener against Ukraine, securing a first victory in 24 years at the Euros and moving to the brink of qualification for the last 16.
“It’s a difficult game, totally different from the first. However, we have courage, belief in ourselves, and we know what we can do,” Romania midfielder Ianis Hagi said.
While Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco was largely pleased with his side’s first performance, with one exception: “The only thing that we didn’t do well (against Slovakia) was missing chances. We had plenty. It’s part of the game.”
Follow all the latest updates ahead of Belgium vs Romania below, following the conclusion of Turkey vs Portugal in Group F
Half-time! Belgium 1-0 Romania
45 mins: Belgium were under pressure coming into this match and they put any nerves to bed inside the opening two minutes. Youri Tielemans sent them into the lead and from there, despite some decent attacks from Romania, they’ve had control of the game.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:48
Belgium 1-0 Romania
42 mins: Lukebakio lays the ball off to De Bruyne who storms into the box and almost finishes off a slick move from Belgium. De Bruyne falls away as he takes the shot which sofly rolls into the hands of Florin Nita.
The his best effort of the night.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:43
Belgium 1-0 Romania
39 mins: Ratiu curls a decent ball into the box which curls away from Wout Faes and almost drops for Denis Dragus who tussles with the defender.
Koen Casteels comes off his line and smothers it as Dragus hits the deck looking for a penalty that doesn’t come.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:41
Belgium 1-0 Romania
36 mins: Lukebakio dances into the box from the right and takes shot which is deflected wide of the target. The resultand corner is swung into the middle by De Bruyne but Denis Dragus jumps highest and heads the ball clear.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:36
Belgium 1-0 Romania
33 mins: Andrei Ratiu is having a torrid time up against Jeremy Doku who is too quick, too skillful and too determined to get the better of the defender.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:33
Belgium 1-0 Romania
30 mins: De Bruyne’s delivery is shockingly bad for a player of his quality but it doesn’t matter anyway as Wout Faes is penalised for a bit of argy bargy.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:29
Belgium 1-0 Romania
27 mins: The longer Romania can keep the deficit at one the better off they’ll be. That much is obvious but they’ve shown a bit of quality in the final third already and Belgium will become more nervous as the game goes on.
They are desperately trying to add a second here to secure a cushion for themselves. Kevin De Bruyne is brought down and has the chance to deliver a free kick into the box.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:28
Belgium 1-0 Romania
24 mins: Valentin Mihaila gets into the action with a great run down the right side. He scoots across the edge of the box after cutting inside and gets off a shot.
Jan Vertonghen drops to get the block in but the ball comes back to Mihaila. He tries to manoeuvre into more space but slips and Belgium get the ball away.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:25
Belgium 1-0 Romania
21 mins: At the other end of the pitch Romania win a free kick that gets driven over to the far post. Radu Dragusin is the target but Arthur Theate beats him in the air and nods the ball behind for a corner.
The next set piece gets dealt with by the Belgians.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:21
Belgium 1-0 Romania
Belgium sweep forward on the break with Kevin De Bruyne in possession. Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku fly into the box and draw away defenders as De Bruyne slots a pass over to Dodi Lukebakio.
He checks to the left then blazes a curling shot at goal only for Florin Nita to leap to his right and palm the ball wide!
Solid goalkeeping to keep Romania in the contest.
Mike Jones22 June 2024 20:19
