Belgium team finally clicks with victory over Romania

Romelu Lukaku stood with his back not only to goal, but to the raucous mass of crimson behind it. From somewhere within that throng, a plume of red smoke billowed towards the roof of the stadium. It might as well have been a warning to Romania, but just one minute into this critical Euro 2024 clash, they did not have time to heed it.

- ALEX PATTLE

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.