BRUSSELS (REUTERS) - Belgium qualified for next year's World Cup finals and kept up their unbeaten qualifying run as they beat Estonia 3-1 in Brussels on Saturday (Nov 13). The Belgians, semi-finalists in Russia in 2018, climbed to an unassailable 19 points in Group E as Christian Benteke scored early and Yannick Carrasco and Thorgan Hazard added second-half goals. Belgium join Brazil, Denmark, France and Germany among the first five countries to qualify for next year's finals in Qatar. But it was in fact a wasteful display from Belgium, whose supporters were expecting more of a goal feast at the King Baudouin Stadium to celebrate qualifying for a third successive World Cup. Without the injured Romelu Lukaku and Michy Batshuayi, the 30-year-old Benteke was given a rare chance to lead the attack and took little time to open the scoring. He tapped-in from close range after Estonia goalkeeper Matvei Igonen made a horrible error, letting a low cross from Carrasco slip through his hands. Benteke might have had a couple more before the break while Eden Hazard was away with just the goalkeeper to beat, after a clever over-the-top pass from Kevin De Bruyne, but wasted the chance. Carrasco showed the way after Benteke had set him up in the 52nd minute with a powerful left-footed drive into the top of the net from the edge of the area. But Estonia then pulled one goal back when Rauno Sappinen's shot was palmed away by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into the path of Erik Sorga, who cut the deficit in the 70th minute. It was four minutes later that the two-goal advantage was restored when substitute Thorgan Hazard headed home De Bruyne's cross. Belgium, who are top of the FIFA rankings despite a quarter-final exit at the European Championship and fourth place at last month's Nations League finals, will finish their qualifying campaign away against Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday. More on this topic Related Story Football: Mbappe shines as France thump Kazakhstan 8-0 to qualify for World Cup finals Related Story Football: Late goals for Montenegro put Dutch World Cup celebrations on hold
TALLINN (AFP) - Wales claimed a 1-0 qualifying victory over Estonia in Tallinn on Monday (Oct 11) to keep Belgium waiting for a place at the 2022 World Cup. Kieffer Moore's scrappy 12th-minute goal was enough for Wales to make amends for a disappointing goalless home draw with Estonia last month. Anything other than a Welsh victory would have seen Belgium wrap up top spot in Group E and a spot in Qatar next year. But Wales kept alive their slim hopes of catching the world's number one-ranked side, moving to within five points of Belgium with two matches remaining. The Czech Republic sit second in the group on goal difference after winning 2-0 against Belarus, but have played a game more. Belgium can still secure a finals berth when they host Estonia next month. Wales are all but certain to drop into the playoffs even if they finish below the Czechs, courtesy of winning their 2020-21 Nations League group. The visitors started brightly, with Harry Wilson curling a free-kick over the crossbar before Estonia goalkeeper Karl Hein turned away Connor Roberts' effort at full stretch. But Wales took the lead from the resulting corner, a goalmouth scramble ending with the ball bouncing in off Moore from barely a yard out. It was Cardiff striker Moore's first international goal since Euro 2020 and seventh in total for his country. Wales dominated possession for the majority of the first half but struggled to create many more clear chances, with Wilson striking another free-kick straight at Hein. Robert Page's men were almost made to pay shortly after the restart, as Estonia striker Erik Sorga headed over when he should have done better. Wales appealed for a penalty when Moore tussled with home captain Marten Kuusk in the area, but a free-kick was awarded against the forward, who was left with a bloody nose. More on this topic Related Story Football: Werner double sees Germany qualify for Qatar World Cup Related Story Football: Fifa's plans for a biennial World Cup - What you need to know The away side started to look nervous late on as Estonia exerted some pressure. Vlasiy Sinavski was denied by an excellent save from Danny Ward, who bounced back from a horrendous error in Saturday's 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic with a clean sheet.
KAZAN, RUSSIA (REUTERS) - Dennis Praet's first-half goal secured a narrow 1-0 away win for Belgium over Belarus in Kazan on Wednesday (Sept 8) to move them closer to World Cup qualification. The midfielder's 33rd-minute strike maintained Belgium's unbeaten run in Group E as they advanced to 16 points, nine points ahead of the Czech Republic, who have played one game fewer, and Wales, who have two games in hand. Praet steered a snap effort wide of Belarus goalkeeper Sergei Chernik after being teed up by a short pass from Alexis Saelemaekers, two minutes after Michy Batshuayi had the ball in the net but his effort was ruled offside. Belgium, top of the Fifa rankings, scored eight goals against Belarus at the start of the World Cup qualifiers in March but this time looked tired after a third game in six days, having beaten Estonia and the Czech Republic in their previous two qualifiers. They were without suspended Romelu Lukaku and Jan Vertonghen and elected to spare Thibaut Courtois, Yannick Carrasco and Axel Witsel the long trip to Russia, where Belarus were forced to host the game because of flight sanctions. Captain Eden Hazard started on the bench and only came on after an hour but failed to provide the expected spark. His free kick four minutes from fulltime, however, did force a sharp save out of Chernik. Belarus, who did not trouble Belgium in the game, have now lost four of five qualifiers and sit second from bottom in the group. More on this topic Related Story Football: Poland strike late to end England's perfect record Related Story Football: Sane inspires Germany to big win over Iceland
MUNICH, GERMANY (REUTERS) - Italy reached the Euro 2020 semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 win over Belgium as first-half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne settled a gripping encounter against the number one-ranked team in the world on Friday (July 2). Barella fired the opener after 31 minutes before Insigne’s wonderful curling strike doubled Italy’s advantage on the brink of halftime. Romelu Lukaku pulled one back for Belgium in first-half stoppage time with a penalty but neither side could find another goal and Roberto Mancini’s exciting side held on for a 13th straight win, extending their record unbeaten run to 32 games. “I don’t think we suffered too much at any moment of the game. To beat a team like Belgium, you need a great performance from everybody and that’s exactly what happened today,” Mancini said. Italy will face Spain at Wembley on Tuesday for a place in the final after setting another record by winning 15 consecutive games including European Championship qualifiers and the finals. Luis Enrique’s Spain side squeezed past Switzerland 3-1 in a penalty shootout earlier on Friday after their battling opponents clung to a 1-1 draw after extra time despite going down to 10 men. “We didn’t have a minimum goal, we wanted to do our best. The road is still long, there are two games to go, we will see what happens,” Mancini said. “Spain? Let’s enjoy this victory, then we’ll think about it. Congratulations to my boys, they were very good.” More disappointment It was another disappointment for a talented Belgium squad lauded as a ‘golden generation’, but who have failed to win any trophies or reach a final at a major tournament. “I think we tried everything to win this match. They scored a fantastic goal, but the first one may have been a mistake on our part,” said Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne. “They had more possession and the ball didn’t go in for us, which is a shame. Getting eliminated is always a disappointment.” Italy started strongly when Leonardo Bonucci bundled the ball into the net after 13 minutes from a free-kick, but his celebrations were cut short when it was ruled out for offside. More on this topic Related Story Football: Spain beat Switzerland on penalties to reach Euro 2020 semi-finals Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma then produced a superb one-handed save to deny De Bruyne, who was fit enough to start after picking up an injury in Belgium’s last game, before the goalkeeper tipped a Lukaku effort wide. The Azzurri went in front when Barella lashed a shot into the bottom corner of the net after holding off two defenders in the box. It was Italy’s 10th goal of the tournament, their most at a European Championship. Italy looked set to end the half on a high when Insigne’s outstanding curler from the edge of the area doubled their lead. But Belgium cut the deficit three minutes later when Giovanni Di Lorenzo barged over Jeremy Doku in the box and the referee pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of the Italians, before Lukaku converted from 12 yards. Leonardo Spinazzola performed a superb goal-line clearance to deny Lukaku an equaliser after the break, but the impressive Italy left-back’s night ended in tears when he was carried off on a stretcher. “We are really sorry for the injury to Spina, he is having a great tournament, one of the best in the tournament, we are really sad for it,” Mancini said. The lively Doku caused problems for the Azzurri defence all night and threatened a late equaliser when he cut in from the wing to lash a shot at goal, but it flew inches over the bar leaving the Italians to celebrate a famous victory. More on this topic Related Story Football: WHO Europe calls for better monitoring of Euro spectators Related Story Football: Shouting, grimacing Swiss fan goes viral
SEVILLE (AFP) - A rocket from Thorgan Hazard knocked reigning champions Portugal out of Euro 2020 on Sunday (June 27) and earned Belgium a blockbuster quarter-final with Italy. Hazard's swerving shot before half-time sealed a 1-0 win for Belgium and settled a scrappy contest in Seville that never really lived up to its billing as the stand-out tie of the last 16. Cristiano Ronaldo tested Thibaut Courtois with a dipping free-kick in the first half but the 36-year-old neither broke the international goals record nor added to his five for the tournament. Raphael Guerreiro went closest to a late equaliser when his shot came back off the post but Belgium were the braver, more fluid team and deservedly edged through. They will now face Italy in Munich on Friday and possibly without Kevin De Bruyne, who hobbled off injured in the second half but returned to the pitch to join the celebrations at the end. For all the superstar names on the pitch, it was Eden Hazard's less heralded brother Thorgan who proved decisive, the Borussia Dortmund winger who Eden once said had even more talent than him. Portugal, meanwhile, stuck to the defensive approach that served them so well in France five years ago but has perhaps been outgrown by a side that now boasts some of the most creative technicians in the world. De Bruyne injury worry Eden Hazard started in Belgium's front three again after playing 90 minutes against Finland on Monday. Portugal's Diogo Dalot came in at right-back for the injured Nelson Semedo. Eden Hazard skied an early shot over after a neat exchange with Romelu Lukaku while Diogo Jota skewed wide, slipped in down the left by the impressive Renato Sanches. Ronaldo cut an isolated figure up front, his every touch booed early on by the Belgian fans, who then cheered when he was robbed of the ball before being bumped to the ground by Thomas Meunier. More on this topic Related Story De Bruyne the difference as Belgium advance Related Story Football: 'It's not Belgium v Ronaldo' says Vertonghen ahead of Portugal showdown The closest Ronaldo came to an all-time record 110th international goal was a dipping free-kick from 30 yards which Courtois parried away while at the other end, Lukaku was a more dynamic force. One scintillating break saw Lukaku tear through Portugal's midfield and with his shirt being pulled behind him, he was just lacking the final pass to Hazard. An untidy game found its moment of clarity in the 42nd minute. It started with Courtois coolly evading Ronaldo's press before more excellent work from Lukaku allowed De Bruyne to switch left to Thorgan Hazard. Hazard cut in and ripped a swerving shot that rocketed towards the centre of the goal before swerving right and past Rui Patricio, who was too slow to adjust. Belgium played with more verve after half-time and looked set to take charge. More on this topic Related Story Football: Belgium beat Finland 2-0 to secure third win Related Story Football: 'Stay strong, says Lukaku to Eriksen as Belgium get winning start to Euro But De Bruyne's injury checked their rhythm and Portugal came again, Jota firing over and Joao Felix, on as a substitute, heading into the hands of Courtois. Tempers flared as a crescendo of collisions incensed the crowd and left Pepe lucky only to be booked after he led into his challenge with his arm. Portugal finally had to push and in a wild last 10 minutes, Guerreiro went closest to an equaliser, his shot hammering against the post. Belgium did just enough.
SEVILLE, SPAIN (AFP) - Jan Vertonghen said that Belgium's focus wouldn't just be on Cristiano Ronaldo as the Red Devils prepare to take on Portugal in a Euro 2020 last-16 showdown between two of the tournament favourites. Ronaldo tops the scoring charts at the Euro with five goals in three group stage matches but Benfica defender Vertonghen has his eyes on the European champions' talented attack as Belgium, the world's top-ranked team, continue their hunt for a first major international honour. "He's the biggest player in the history of Portugal and we have to respect that, and I respect him a lot, but tomorrow it's not Belgium against Ronaldo, it's Belgium against Portugal and they have a lot of good players," said Vertonghen. "He's a striker who scores in nearly every match and he's proved that many times. "He's a phenomenon. He's working hard and training all the time and what he's done so far, he deserves and maybe he can play until he's 40 years old." Vertonghen was also full of praise for the Belgium's star forward Romelu Lukaku, who is two goals back in the scoring charts but is in the form of his life. The 28-year-old pipped Ronaldo to Serie A's player of the season award last campaign despite scoring five fewer goals as he played a key role in Inter Milan winning their first league title in over a decade. "The only way I can define him is as one of the best strikers in the world," said Vertonghen. "I've known him since he was 16 years old and he had to deal with a lot of criticism on his game, but the way he has developed from being a strong, quick kid into one of the best strikers in the world is one of the best things I've seen in my career. "His work ethic is nearly unmatched and everything, every trophy, every individual trophy he gets now wherever he goes is down to that work ethic." More on this topic Related Story Football: Dolberg stars as Denmark outclass Wales to reach Euro 2020 quarter-finals Related Story Football: Italy beat Austria 2-1 with extra time goals to reach Euro last eight
ST PETERSBURG (REUTERS) - Belgium beat Finland 2-0 on Monday (June 21) to finish top of Euro 2020 Group B and leave the Finns third in the standings with only a slim chance of making the last 16. A second-half own goal by Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and a strike by Romelu Lukaku secured Belgium's third successive win. Hradecky fumbled in a ball that had hit his left post, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead in the 74th minute. Lukaku added the second after having another effort disallowed having been judged offside. Belgium will face one of the third-placed sides in Seville on June 27. Denmark, second in Group B after their 4-1 win over Russia on Monday, will play Wales in Amsterdam on June 26. Finland must wait to see if they qualify for the knockout stages. More on this topic Related Story Football: Spirited Greece hold top-ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw Related Story Football: Lukaku to stay at Serie A champions Inter next season
COPENHAGEN (REUTERS) - Kevin de Bruyne came off the bench to inspire Belgium to a 2-1 comeback win over Denmark on Thursday (June 17) and a place in the Euro 2020 knockout stages on an emotional afternoon of tributes to Christian Eriksen. Denmark got off to a dream start when Yussuf Poulsen put them ahead after 99 seconds as the team rode a wave of sentiment over playmaker Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in their first game. The Danes dominated the first half but Belgium turned to a bench bursting with talent and De Bruyne, who came on right after the interval, laid on a sublime pass for Thorgan Hazard to level in the 54th minute after a galloping run by Romelu Lukaku. De Bruyne completed the comeback by finishing off another classy move to thump the ball into the net in the 74th minute. Denmark never gave up and had numerous attempts to equalise, striker Martin Braithwaite hitting the bar with a header and narrowly failing to connect with a cross. Belgium lead Group B with six points and became the second side after Italy to clinch their place in the last 16. Denmark have yet to earn a point and will need to win their final game against Russia and hope it is enough to get them through. Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel was hugely proud of his side’s performance, especially after the trauma of Eriksen’s collapse, and was in awe of the unified atmosphere made by the 25,000 fans present at Parken Stadium. “Everything that has been said about us is true. We fought to the last. We played a great game. It was not enough and we were not lucky. They put one of the world’s best players on the field (De Bruyne),” Schmeichel said. “I’ve experienced a lot, but nothing beats this. It sounded like there were 75,000 fans. We would like to have rewarded them with a point or a victory.” Team spirit Belgium’s Lukaku also praised the Danes’ spirit both in the game and in their reaction to Eriksen, his Inter Milan team mate who is recovering in hospital. “I respect them as men. They saved my friend’s life and I appreciate that. Their character today was incredible,” he said. “I had to put my feelings to one side in the first half, because I was thinking of Christian. Denmark must continue to believe in it and complete the job against Russia.” More on this topic Related Story Football: Denmark and Belgium pause Euro clash to honour Eriksen Related Story Football: Yarmolenko inspires Ukraine to 2-1 win over North Macedonia Both sides’ fans and players participated in a tribute to Eriksen before kickoff as a giant Denmark shirt with the player’s name and number 10 was displayed on the pitch. The teams then stopped for a moment’s applause in the 10th minute and the Danish crowd unfurled a banner saying: “All of Denmark is with you Christian”. Denmark came alive in the atmosphere and pounced on a poor pass from Belgium’s Jason Denayer which allowed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to feed Poulsen, who fired into the bottom corner. It was the second fastest goal in European Championship history, only trailing Dmitri Kirichenko’s for Russia against Greece in Euro 2004 after 67 seconds. Denmark's Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch on June 12, posted a photo on Instagram saying he was fine. PHOTOS: AFP, INSTAGRAM Denmark continued to overwhelm the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists with rapid, direct attacks and should have added to their lead, with Joakim Maehle and Mikkel Damsgaard going close. But Belgium made the Danes pay for not increasing their advantage. Lukaku burst down the right to take out two defenders and pass to De Bruyne, who showed remarkable poise to play in Hazard to score. The Manchester City midfielder, who missed the start of the tournament with a head injury, then provided an unstoppable finish as his side’s superior talent shone through. More on this topic Related Story Football: 'Are you back with us?' Eriksen doctor recalls ordeal Related Story Denmark's Eriksen says 'I'm fine' from hospital after collapsing in Euro 2020 football match
BRUSSELS (REUTERS) - A spirited Greece fought back to hold top ranked Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their friendly international in Brussels on Thursday (June 3) as Georgios Tzavellas' second half goal cancelled out an early strike for the hosts from Thorgan Hazard. Belgium were missing several regulars like Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, but they were still hoping to send out a message of intent ahead of next week's kick off of the European Championship. But Greece, who did not qualify for the tournament, proved dogged opponents with little regard for their hosts' status at the top of the Fifa rankings in a feisty clash behind closed doors at the King Baudouin Stadium. Hazard put Belgium ahead after 20 minutes but Tzavellas levelled the score midway through the second half.
LEUVEN, Belgium (AFP) - Belgium exacted revenge on Wales for a shock exit at the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 by coming from behind to get their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign off to a winning start with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday (March 24). Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were on target for the world number one ranked side in Leuven after Harry Wilson had put the visitors in front. Wales are again under the caretaker charge of Robert Page this month with manager Ryan Giggs on leave pending the investigation of an assault charge. The former Manchester United star was arrested in November after a reported row with his girlfriend. Giggs denies the allegations of assault and last month had his bail extended until May 1. Page was also in charge for wins over Ireland and Finland to secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League in November, but Belgian's array of stars proved a much tougher test. Wales made the better start, though, and went ahead thanks to a brilliant team goal on 11 minutes. Gareth Bale admitted this week that one of his major motivations for joining Tottenham on loan for a season from Real Madrid was to get match fit for Euro 2020. Bale's sharpness thanks to much more game time over the past month showed as he combined with Daniel James and then played in Wilson to slot confidently past Thibaut Courtois. De Bruyne then took centre stage as his cross should have been buried by Lukaku. The Manchester City midfielder was far more accurate on 22 minutes as he arrowed a shot in off the post from outside the box. Wales were unfortunate for Belgium's second six minutes later as Connor Roberts slipped, allowing Hazard a simple header from Thomas Meunier's cross. Chances were harder to come by for both sides after half-time, but Belgium were gifted the chance to secure the three points when Chris Mepham tripped Dries Mertens as the Napoli forward pounced on a loose ball inside the box. Lukaku sent Danny Ward the wrong way from the spot to take his record tally for Belgium to 58 goals in 90 caps. Wales have a break from competitive action on Saturday when they host Mexico in a friendly before a crucial clash against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, between what will likely be the two sides battling for second place in Group E. The Czechs were 6-2 winners away to Estonia and face Belgium next in Prague on Saturday. More on this topic Related Story Football: Lacklustre France held by Ukraine in opening World Cup qualifier Related Story Football: Portugal struggle to narrow World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan
LEUVEN, BELGIUM (REUTERS) - Romelu Lukaku underlined his status as Belgium's key attacker with two goals to help his team book their place in next year's Nations League finals with a 4-2 home victory over Denmark on Wednesday (Nov 18). Lukaku extended his record scoring form for his country with a second-half double as Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne also netted for Belgium. Denmark scored through Jonas Wind after 17 minutes, heading home from close range, and Belgium gifted them a second with a comical own goal credited to Nacer Chadli four minutes from time. Belgium finished five points clear at the top of League A Group 2 and will meet world champions France and former World Cup winners Italy and Spain in the final four next October. The hosts got off to the perfect start when Tielemans fired them ahead in the third minute, beating his Leicester City team mate Kasper Schmeichel with a grasscutter from outside the penalty box that squeezed in between the Danish goalkeeper's outstretched arm and the post at Leuven's Den Dreef stadium. Yet Wind's equaliser swung the first-half momentum to Denmark, who then created further chances. Belgium got back on top, however, when Tielemans turned provider for Lukaku's first goal in the 56th minute with a quickly-taken free kick that caught out the Danish defence. He played it through to De Bruyne, who moved it onto Lukaku whose shot was blocked by Schmeichel but then looped up off the keeper and bounced into the net. Lukaku then scored his 57th international goal with a strong header as he got goalside of Danish captain Simon Kjaer to finish off a cross from Thorgan Hazard in the 70th minute. The deficit was reduced when Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois let a back pass from Chadli slip under his foot and into the net. Denmark, however, barely had time to register their good fortune before De Bruyne struck Belgium's fourth.
LEUVEN, BELGIUM (REUTERS) - Michy Batshuayi scored twice in the second half as top-ranked Belgium came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday (Nov 11), a confidence boosting win ahead of their crucial Nations League clash against England on Sunday. Batshuayi took his tally to 13 goals in his last 13 international appearances with the double, which maintained Belgium's four-year unbeaten run at home. Admir Mehmedi put the Swiss ahead early before Batshuayi equalised from a suspiciously offside position early in the second half as both countries fielded makeshift teams with an eye on their Nations League games over the next week. After 12 minutes, Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw's attempt at a clearing header served only to set up Mehmedi to hammer the ball home. Four minutes into the second half, Belgium equalised after a Swiss pass was snapped up by Youri Tielemans, who quickly played it into Batshuayi who turned and finished with aplomb. He had looked offside when the pass was played to him but with no VAR, the goal stood. The Swiss created more efforts on goal and might have restored their lead had it not been for the goalkeeping of Simon Mignolet and a timely block from Bornauw, making up for his earlier error. Yet Belgium claimed the win when Dodi Lukebakio set up a chance from the left, which was played back into the centre by debutant Thomas Foket for Batshuayi, who was given space to thump the ball home from right in front of goal. The match was a first for Belgium at Leuven's Den Dreef stadium, where they will host England on Sunday and Denmark next Wednesday. The match was moved from Brussels because of a curfew imposed as part of the Covid-19 lockdown in Belgium.