Belgium Tielemans (2), De Bruyne (79) 2
Romania 0
Lukaku, so often maligned for his endeavours with Belgium, executed his hold-up to perfection, fending off Andrei Burca and cushioning the ball into the stride of Youri Tielemans. The midfielder did the rest, driving the ball low and hard past Florin Nita.
So much of the last decade must have felt like a footballing nightmare for Belgium, but here was a dream start in Cologne. After the start of the week brought great concern for Domenico Tedesco’s side, with a (supposedly) shocking 1-0 loss to Slovakia, the end of the week at least brought hope. Following this 2-0 win for Belgium, all four teams in Group E possess three points. Belgium are top on goal difference.
They still look a collection of talented individuals, rather than a bonded team. That issue has been so chronic over the last decade that it almost feels lazy to highlight, but it is true and remains the biggest barrier to Belgian success. That this problem has persisted under numerous managers, afflicting a golden generation and what remains of it, is as fascinating as it is frustrating. At times yesterday, it even looked as though there were only 10 Belgians on the pitch. Ultimately, though, their problems manifested in minor mistakes, rather than anything crippling.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ruthless Medvedev knocks out ailing top seed Sinner
Rule out Daniil Medvedev at your peril.
Van Dijk can prove legends wrong by getting into final
Of all the players around Europe to chastise, to suggest hasn’t had a positive impact on teammates and to berate for not playing well enough, Virgil van Dijk will feel like a baffling choice to regular viewers of the Premier League.
Southgate: This is England's chance to make history
Three Lions have full squad available for Netherlands match
Yamal's wonder goal leads favourites Spain into final
If this is to be Spain’s first men’s trophy since the glory era of 2008-12, there couldn’t be a better signal of a new era than the youngest player in the history of the European Championships scoring the goal to set them on their way to the final.
Thames Water may go bust, what does this mean for us?
Pity the poor Thames Water consumer (for the record, I am one). We found out yesterday that the water company only has enough cash to last until next May – thanks to a debt pile of more than £15bn.
Dyson to slash 1,000 jobs
Dyson is axeing up to 1,000 jobs in the UK as part of a costcutting drive. The move by the vacuum cleaner maker, which relocated its headquarters to Singapore in 2019, will see its British-based workforce reduced by more than a quarter.
Senior Democrat publicly urges Biden to step aside
Adam Smith is sixth House representative to call for change
Indian recruits in Russian army can quit, says Putin
Citizens were reportedly misled’ into serving in Ukraine
'A room covered in blood'
A mother and daughter caught up in the Russian missile strike on a Kyiv children’s hospital speak to Tom Watling
Sugar consumption down one year after tax applied
The sugar tax imposed on soft drinks in Britain led to a significant drop in sugar in people’s diets, according to a longterm study.
