BELGIUM have hammered Russia in their opening Euro 2020 fixture.
Romelu Lukaku put the Red Devils in front and delivered an emotional tribute to Christian Eriksen, saying ‘Chris, I love you’ to the camera.
Thomas Meunier then netted a second before Lukaku nonchalantly netted a third as the Belgians laid down a marker.
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GOODBYE
It’s been a deeply harrowing day at the European Championships – but we understand there are reasons for hope.
Christian Eriksen’s collapse during Denmark’s match with Finland rendered the tournament meaningless in one frightening moment, yet the 29-year-old is now reportedly awake and stable in hospital this evening.
That game in Copenhagen eventually continued, and so too did events in St Petersburg where Belgium eased past Russia to put down an early marker in Group B.
Romelu Lukaku – an Inter Milan teammate of Eriksen – was in typically brilliant form, and dedicated his two goals in the 3-0 win to the recovering Dane.
The competition should continue as planned if Eriksen’s prognosis is as positive as believed, and that means three more games tomorrow including England’s opener against Croatia at Wembley.
We’ll be back to cover all the action, but our final words tonight are for Christian, and his family, friends and colleagues: Get well soon, you have our very best wishes.
AN EMOTIONAL NIGHT
Speaking to Belgian television and radio, Romelu Lukaku admitted that preparations for this evening’s match in Russia was incredibly hard following Christian Eriksen’s collapse in Denmark’s earlier game with Finland.
There were a lot of tears before the game. It was difficult to focus. Other players were affected too. I’m going to contact him. I read that he’s out of danger. I hope he’ll be in good health soon. I am happy with the victory, but my thoughts are with Christian.”
Romelu Lukaku
PHENOMENAL LUKAKU
With another two goals this evening, Romelu Lukaku’s international form is nothing short of exceptional.
TOBY’S TRIBUTE
Belgium’s Toby Alderweireld used to play with Christian Eriksen, and the defender has been quick to send his best wishes to his friend following his country’s win this evening.
FULL TIME STATS
It’s been a routine victory for Belgium, who scored with three of their four shots on target.
Courtesy of UEFA.Com FT: BELGIUM 3-0 RUSSIA
A comfortable win for the number one ranked side in the world. A double from Romelu Lukaku sandwiched an effort from Thomas Meunier as Belgium eased past Russia as has become the norm. The Red Devils’ two-goal hero dedicated his strikes to Inter Milan teammate Christian Eriksen on a night when football felt immaterial in comparison to events elsewhere.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THE FINAL WHISTLE IS BLOWN!BELGIUM 3-0 RUSSIA
90. Russia win a free-kick inches outside of the box after Boyata clatters Ozdoev on the shin.
Miranchuk takes charge of the ball and fancies a consolation, but the Atalanta midfielder curls over the top.
BELGIUM 3-0 RUSSIA
88. He had barely had a kick in this second half, but Romelu Lukaku often only needs one.
The Belgian striker was on his toes as soon as Thomas Meunier picked up possession in midfield, and when a crisp through ball followed, he tore away from his marker to plant a first-time shot beyond Anton Shunin.
Two goals for Lukaku, three for Belgium, and the Red Devils are up and running!
GOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!
ROMELU LUKAKU DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST!!BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
85. It’s just dawned on me that there’s been three shots in this second half, and not one of them has been on target.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
83. Dendoncker is penalised for a poor challenge on Mukhin, lunging at his opponent’s shin in an attempt to recover his own heavy touch.
I don’t believe a yellow card was shown to the Wolves player, but one should have been.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
81. A beautiful turn by Eden Hazard. The Belgian controls the ball and turns one way in a flash while sending his marker in the opposite direction.
He’s still got some moves.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
79. The crowd have been partaking in a Mexican wave for the last couple of minutes which should give you some indication as to how this one is petering out.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
76. Despite boasting some superb attacking talent on the bench such as teenager Jeremy Duku, Belgium decide to make Yuri Zhirkov a little better about himself by bringing on 35-year-old Thomas Vermaelen.
The former Arsenal defender replaces a former Totttenham one in Jan Vertonghen with Eden Hazard taking the captain’s armband.
Also on is Dennis Praet for Yannick Carrasco.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
74. Eden Hazard picks up the ball for the first time, weighs up his options and then decides to run at the Russians.
He’s stopped in his tracks by a brilliant Semenov tackle.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
71. Eden Hazard is going to get some minutes under his belt.
The forward has only started 21 games for Real Madrid over the past two years, but Roberto Martinez believes – hope – he can still have a big impact at this international tournament.
He joins his brother on the pitch by replacing Dries Mertens.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
69. Dzyuba leaves Vertonghen in a heap, and not for the first time.
Marking the Belgian striker is not an enviable task.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
66. With the injuries mounting up for Belgium, is that going to be a factor that hinders them from finally winning a tournament?
De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Witsel are all in the squad but struggling for fitness, and Castagne now looks set for a spell on the treatment table.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
63. Russia’s final two changes, and one of them sees a first half substitute replaced.
Denis Cheryshev replaced Kuzyaev in the first half, but now the Valencia winger is off for Aleksei Miranchuk.
Also on is Maksim Mukhin for Roman Zobnin.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
62. Ozdoyev reminds Lukaku that he can’t have it all his own way with a well-timed sliding challenge on the far touchline.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
59. Hazard and Tielemans just exchanged passes four or five times.
What’s that, a nine-ten rather than a one-two?
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
57. News is filtering through that Castagne sustained a broken eye socket in that first half clash with Kuzyaev.
It’s a worryingly similar injury to the one suffered by Kevin De Bruyne in the Champions League final.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
55. Belgium are hardly hanging on to the lead, but Russia have at least shown some willingness to compete since the interval.
BELGIUM 2-0 RUSSIA
54. Dzyuba tests Courtois’ reflexes with a thumping drive, but the whistle had already gone for a foul on Meunier in the build-up.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
