KEVIN DE Bruyne finally got the reward he deserved for a night of brilliance to lift Belgium out of the nightmare of Slovakia.
Captain De Bruyne was simply everywhere alongside Domenico Tedesco’s team, encouraging them to press forward and refusing to accept anything short of victory.
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And it was only right that De Bruyne sealed the victory, as the Red Devils finally added Youri Tieleman’s second-minute goal to secure a four-way penalty shootout on the final day in Group E.
Despite the perfect start, De Bruyne and his colleagues were repeatedly frustrated as a number of opportunities were wasted.
A night of frenzied entertainment also left Romelu Lukaku cursing the VAR booth in Leipzig for the THIRD time in two matches after he connected with De Bruyne’s incomparable pass.
But with 10 minutes remaining, De Bruyne was the first to react when Keon Casteels’ goal kick rebounded into the Romanian box, arriving just before goalkeeper Florin Nita scored.
It was a fitting end to a majestic performance from the city’s magician, vindicating Tedesco’s brave selection decisions.
The manager has shaken things up with four changes, including the return of former Spurs veteran Jan Vertonghen and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard on the bench.
This meant De Bruyne would also occupy a more advanced role.
And 73 seconds after the start, the adventure was worth it.
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Tielemans was crucially involved on both sides, winning the ball to send Lukaku forward.
He fed Jeremy Doku, who took advantage of De Bruyne’s maneuver to return the favor.
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Lukaku, back in goal, was suspended, with Tielemans’ instant shot opening the gap between the two Romania central defenders and whistling past the goalkeeper.
Relief and joy for the Red Devils and their noisy fans.
Romania responded, with just one save from goalkeeper Koen Casteels preventing Spurs defender Radu Dragusin from instantly equalizing after a fine header.
Even so, Belgium continued to advance, five and six at a time, advancing, and Lukaku could have wrapped up the game when he was found again by Doku.
Centre-back Andrei Burca simply brushed past the Chelsea player, unrivaled for his strength and it looked as if Lukaku would score only for a desperate last-gasp block to deflect behind.
Nita thwarted Dodi Lukebakio’s curler after De Bruyne advanced with his trademark threat, with Vertonghen shooting over the resulting short corner.
This was Belgium, pressing hard and hard, in the most persuasive way.
Doku was also a constant ball of energy and threat on the left, especially when he linked up with De Bruyne, demanding another smart stop from Nita as he tried to squeeze in at the near post.
It was a very open game, with both defenses exposed to pressure and Romania equally willing to roll the dice.
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Romanian right winger Dennis Man tested Casteels twice after coming off his flank, while Valentin Vihaila burst through the middle to make the yellow crowd jump, but was unable to stop his shot.
From one end to the other, De Bruyne looped it over the far post on the edge of the box before bringing the goalkeeper to his knees once more.
Doku fired a shot into the side netting after another De Bruyne break, before Lukaku appeared to have finally capitalized on his captain’s brilliance, slotting home after a perfect pass.
As happened twice against Slovakia, the VAR call went against him again, Lukaku flagged offside – perhaps by half a finger – by walking away.
It was difficult not to feel sympathy for the great man.
If Man had capitalized on a mistake from left-back Arthur Theate, rather than allowing Casteels to save when he looked likely to score, you wonder whether Belgium might have turned around out of sheer desperation.
But he didn’t, they didn’t, and De Bruyne then scored to take his side to the top of the table, albeit with everything at stake for all four teams on Wednesday.
Belgium: Castiles; Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate (Debast 77); Tielemans (Mangala 72), Onana; Lukebakio (Trossard 56), De Bruyne, Doku (Carrasco 73); Lukaku
Romania: Nita; Ratiu (Sorescu 90), Dragusin, Burqa, Bancu; R Marin, M Marin (Olaru 68), Stanciu; Man, Dragus (Alibec 81), Mihaila (Hagi 68)
Who is the sexiest star at Euro 2024?
EURO 2024 has something for everyone, from stunning goals, exciting games… and the continent’s greatest players, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars lit up the group stage with their skills on the pitch, but others also caught the eye with their appearance.
But who is the sexiest?
Fortunately, AI experts performed an analysis of the facial attractiveness of all players in the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, who are fourth UGLIER in the competition – one place below Scotland.
In fact, it is England’s group rivals Serbia who have most fans swooning – boasting an average score of 77.90/100, with Strahinja Pavlovic’s defense considered the most attractive.
Although Turkish defender Mert Muldur was rated as the tournament’s best, MORE BEAUTIFUL player.
But who is England’s sexiest star and who is the Euros’ most attractive XI? Read our full story.
Belgium Euro 2024 Guide
BELGIUM mixes youth and experience as they look to win their first international trophy
Romelu Lukaku has seen it all and scored 14 goals in qualifying, while Man City’s 21-year-old Jeremy Doku is hoping to announce himself on the international stage.
MANAGER: Domenico Tedesco
Italian coach Maverick impressed at club level with Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.
STAR MAN: Jeremy Doku
The winger added an extra dimension to Man City by defeating Arsenal for the title and should always be present in the Red Devils’ Euro 2024 lineup.
How Belgium attacks
Belgium seeks to ensure control of the ball before playing in more advanced areas of the field.
One possession of the ball is guaranteed, they will overload with up to five players tasked with keeping the opposing defense occupied.
How Belgium defends
Belgium’s aging Golden Generation will form a medium block in 4-3-3 and will not be overly aggressive in the press.
They are comfortable going deep and trying to force the opponent to play wide.
Read Belgium’s full Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
