Belgium had a much better match against Romania after losing their initial game 1-0 to Slovakia. The team that had gone undefeated underhad a much better match against Romania after losing their initial game 1-0 to Slovakia. The team that had gone undefeated under Domenico Tedesco heading into the tournament seems to have been shaken up by their unexpected loss in the opening Euro 2024 encounter. Tedesco made a few adjustments that undoubtedly helped the side balance out.
made a crucial stop at 1-0 to maintain Belgium ahead, and he was reliable in all other tasks that he had to perform.
The Fulham player put on a far better display, making many crucial challenges to keep Romania out.
The Leicester defender, who made the most passes throughout the game, had another strong performance. Better teams might punish Belgium because they were caught off guard a few times.
Jan Vertonghen (6)
filled in for teammate Zeno Debast of Anderlecht and performed admirably. His lack of speed may be an issue for some of the tournament’s opponents, therefore Belgium was fortunate that Romania decided not to take any chances.
Arthur Theate, age six
It was encouraging to see Theate return and an actual left-back filling this role. Will ideally develop throughout the competition as he provides the backbone of the squad with balance.
Youri Tielemans, age seven
took his goal with ease and, similar to Theate, provided the side a lot more harmony. Should have performed well enough to start the competition alongside Onana as a central midfield player.
Amadou Onana, age eight
Onana gave another excellent performance, quickly making up for any mistakes she made. He gives players like De Bruyne and Doku the opportunity to truly shine by winning back possession of the ball and physically controlling his midfield skirmishes.
Dodi Lukebakio, age six
Leandro Trossard was substituted by Lukebakio in the starting lineup, and the Brazilian appeared far more dangerous than the Arsenal player. Although the final product wasn’t very good, Belgium has a dual-wing threat because of his determination to go for his man.
Kevin de Bruyne, age nine
De Bruyne gave a masterclass, appearing to play the way he does for Manchester City.
He took his goal extremely well and was at the centre of everything Belgium accomplished well. For the pass through to Lukaku, which was erroneously called slightly offside, he should have received credit. De Bruyne has the ability to surpass Belgium’s expectations while playing this way.
Jeremy Doku, age eight
Doku performed better than he had against Slovakia, making wiser choices while maintaining his skill as a dribbler from the first game. Along with Lukabakio, the City player gives Belgium an additional threat that will make opposing defenders’ jobs extremely difficult. He was a continuous menace on the left.
Romelu Lukaku (8)
In the upcoming game, hopefully, VAR will leave big Rom alone. This competition, the striker has scored three goals, but each one has been disqualified. Although he scored this goal well, he was just barely offside. Excellent help for the first goal, and he dominated the Romanian defence physically.
Alternatives
Four Leandro Trossards
Thus far in this tournament, Trossard appears to be doubting himself. He should have passed twice to set up goal scoring possibilities, but each time he took too long and the opportunity was lost, suggesting that his decision-making was out of character.
Orel Mangala – 5
Zeno Debast – 5
Yannick Carrasco – 5
Belgium is aware that a victory over Ukraine will guarantee their advancement to the next round, as all of the teams in Group E are tied for points.
