Euro 2020: Romelu Lukaku brace helps Belgium hammer Russia 3-0 in Group B fixture
Belgium established their credentials as one of the tournament favourites as they began their Euro 2020 campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Russia in their Group B fixture in St Petersburg on Saturday. Senior striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice, continuing his fine form for Roberto Martinez’s side. It was Lukaku’s 22nd goal in their last 19 games in all competitions.
Belgium went to the top of the Group B table after their dominant performance against Russia. Finland, who shocked Denmark in Copenhagen earlier in the day, are the 2nd spot.
The Belgians, top of the FIFA rankings, went ahead after only 10 minutes through Lukaku and doubled the score before the breakthrough Meunier. Lukaku scored his second of the night two minutes from the end — extending his record tally for his country to 62 goals.
Cried a lot: Lukaku wishes Eriksen speedy recovery
In fact, Lukaku dedicated his first goal to his Inter Milan teammate Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch in Copenhagen. Lukaku ran towards the camera and wished his good friend a speedy recovery. Eriksen was hospitalised and was in stable condition even as the suspended Group B match between Denmark and Finland resumed later in the evening.
“It was difficult today to play because my mind was with Christian.I want him to be healthy. I cried a lot because I was scared. We lived strong moments for a year and a half. I spend more time with him than my family. His girlfriend has two kids. I hope he recovers quickly,” Lukaku said after Belgium’s win.
Belgium’s obvious superiority was evident throughout the Group B encounter in St Petersburg, and victory for Roberto Martinez’s team came without Kevin De Bruyne, out with injury, and only a cameo substitute appearance from captain Eden Hazard, another of the team’s talismans.
