Lukaku lets Russia down

Belgium, which, as in previous tournaments, is one of the favorites, has been unbeaten since October 2020 (1:2 against England). In order to be able to continue this successful streak, head coach Roberto Martinez decided against a large-scale rotation and only changed two positions. Boyata and Thorgan Hazard replaced Denayer and Chadli in the starting line-up. Compared to the previous test matches, Russia also only exchanged two players; Kuzyaev and Mario Fernandes replaced Karavaev and Ionov.

Russia didn't hide and constantly tried to put their captain and difference player Artem Dzyuba in the spotlight. Nevertheless, the bell rang in the Russian box after ten minutes after Semyonov was unable to make a decisive clearance and also canceled out Romelu Lukaku's offside. The Inter star was able to shoot from ten meters to take the lead 1-0. While celebrating his goal, the striker ran to a TV camera and shouted: “Chris, I love you!” He addressed this to his club colleague Christian Eriksen, who had previously collapsed in the game against Finland and had to be revived. Substitute Meunier immediately pricks As a result, the Russians increased the pressure and created a great chance shortly after the restart. At times the game developed into an open exchange of blows. In the 25th minute, Kuzyaev and Castagne collide with their heads in an aerial duel. After a short treatment, both players were substituted due to their injuries as a precaution. Joker Meunie immediately scored and increased the score to 2-0. © APA/afp / DMITRI LOVETSKY

Meunier, who came on as a substitute for Castagne, quickly distinguished himself as a joker. Similar to the opening goal, the Russians are unlucky, goalkeeper Shunin allows a harmless cross to bounce forward - Meunier just has to push in to make it 2-0. The half-time lead came from two lucky goals, but in the end it was a deserved score in favor of Belgium.

At the beginning of the second half, Russia initially knew how to break away from Belgium's hold and appeared dangerously in front of the opponent's goal several times. However, none of the offensive efforts were successful. From the 60th minute onwards the game became a little quieter and the game increasingly shifted to the midfield. Belgium stood secure defensively and refrained from using offensive pressure in order to be able to better fend off Russian efforts to score the next goal. Shortly before the end, a quick switch was enough for the Belgians to make the deserved 3-0 final score through star striker Lukaku (88th).

Belgium is leading Group B after one game. Follows in second place Finland, which previously beat Denmark 1-0. 1st matchday, group phase Group A

Wales – Switzerland 1-1 0:1 Embolo (49th), 1:1 Moore (74th)

Group B

Denmark – Finland 0:1 0:1 Pohjanpalo (59.)

Belgium – Russia 3-0 1:0 Lukaku (10th), 2:0 Meunier (34th) , 3:0 Lukaku (88.)

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Lukaku lets Russia down

Despite the events surrounding Christian Eriksen in Copenhagen, the game between Russia and Belgium was able to kick off as scheduled. The title favorite from Belgium was able to confidently prevail in St. Petersburg (3-0).

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