Belgium 2-0 Romania: Red Devils earn vital win in Group E

Youri Tielemans gave Belgium an early lead in the opening minutes in Köln on Saturday, with the midfielder’s effort coming as the only goal of the first period.

Both teams had excellent chances to add to the scoring in the second half, but great saves from both goalkeepers meant a breakthrough wasn’t achieved until the 80th minute when Kevin De Bruyne was put through by Koen Casteels and to add the Red Devils’ second.

Belgium’s two-goal victory over Romania sees them record their first win of the tournament, as the side ranked third in the world climb to the top of Group E.

Ahead of the final round of fixtures, all four sides in the group are tied on three points with it all to play for. On Wednesday, Belgium face Ukraine as Romania take on Slovakia for a spot in the last 16.

As it happened

Belgium got off to the perfect start and within 90 seconds, Youri Tielemans had put Domenico Tedesco’s side in front. Romelu Lukaku set up the midfielder on the edge of the box, whose low-driven shot beat Florin Nita.

(Photo by Alexander Scheuber – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Minutes later, Romania were nearly level. Radu Dragusin was found in the six-yard box, with the defender rising highest in the box, but Casteels excellently saved his headed effort.

After this chance, Belgium searched for their second goal as the game opened up. Jeremy Doku had a great chance in the 30th minute, but Nita saved the winger’s effort.

Romania tried to get into the game and create chances towards the end of the first half, but the Belgium defence denied the Tricolorii attack any clear-cut opportunities.

Edward Iordănescu’s men continued to push and almost found a leveller in the second half. However, Casteels made another good save to keep Belgium ahead.

However, the Red Devils began to grow into the second half, and captain Kevin De Bruyne had two great chances to seal the game for Belgium – but the midfielder couldn’t convert his chances.

Romelu Lukaku thought he had added Belgium’s second, but his effort was ruled offside. The former Manchester United and Everton frontman was also denied twice by VAR during Belgium’s opener.

In an eventful end to the second half, Romania were pushing. Dennis Man had a brilliant opportunity to level the game, though Casteels made an excellent save to deny the winger.

Belgium found the winner after De Bruyne was put through by his own goalkeeper, and the Manchester City midfielder calmly slotted his shot under Nita to give them a two-goal advantage.