To stay alive in Euro 2024 Belgium was needed to exhibit mental strength and play with caution and aggression against the Romanians. For which a few changes were required.
Jan Vartonghen was restored to defence. Tielemens and Amadou Onanna featured in the midfield. Jeremy Doku was played in his natural position on the left. Kevin de Bruyne was playing as the marshall at the centre of the park with a lot more freedom.
The changes paid off as a few minutes into the match - The Red Devils put the right foot on the paddle.
Romelu Lukaku drove deep into the Romanian territory and laid the ball off to De Bruyne. De Bruyne dinked across the edge of the box before discovering Lukaku again in the penalty box. Lukaku noticed the approach of Tielesmans and laid the ball at his feet to beat Florin Nita.
That goal changed the approach of Belgium, who remained composed and attacking throughout the night.
Doku was brilliant. He dropped deep, held the ball, spun and ran. He hung on the shoulder of the full-back and ran beyond him.
At the heart of Belgian sound display De Bruyne controlled the show by being at his impish best - the master in the midfield ran through Romania many times.
After an hour of play - De Bruyne's pass sent Lukaku clear to finish calmly into the bottom corner, only for VAR to intervene. Lukaku has been denied by VAR for the third time - hard luck.
With 10 minutes remaining De Bruyne pushed himself onto the Romania defence before a goal kick cleared everyone and he poked the ball past Nita to score.
The way Belgium played last night has instilled the faith but how far they can go remains a moot question.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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