Belgium beat Romania to register first win at Euro 2024
All four teams in Group E locked on three points heading into final group games
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Highlights: Belgium earn first points in thriller against Romania
That was a cracking game, wasn't it?
Thanks for your company. Please do join us for the conclusion of Group A on Sunday with both kick-offs at 20:00 BST.
Will Scotland make it through?
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Izzy Christiansen
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live
Belgium have looked more like themselves in an attacking sense There is. a nice attacking balance in the team especially in midfield. However I would have question marks over the defence, Romania found it too easy to get in behind them at times.
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Cologne
Kevin De Bruyne inspired Belgium to the first Euro 2024 victory they desperately required with a virtuoso display in a thrilling victory over Romania.
Belgium were under pressure in Group E after losing their opening game to Slovakia, but responded with an outstanding attacking display to illustrate exactly why they are rated among the favourites in Germany.
Belgium put themselves under pressure by going down to the defeat against Slovakia in their opening game of Euro 2024, but responded impressively in a frenetic, all-action encounter.
There was no margin for error for Belgium going into this game, despite the Euro 2024 format reducing the jeopardy, and this display will send self-belief surging through the camp.
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Izzy Christiansen
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live
That performance says to me that Belgium have arrived at this tournament, and you would expect them to go on and close out the group. You could see the players pumping up the fans at the end, they get the feeling they are here and they will kick on.
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EternalKlopptimist: 3, 3, 3 and 3! Now that's a finely poised group!
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Image source, BBC SportFT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Joe Hart
Former England goalkeeper on 5 Live
Belgium were on it and looked like they wanted to prove a point. A really, really strong victory. I think Romania are pleased to walk away with only a 2-0 defeat. Belgium were so potent, so fluid, had a good balance across the team and particularly in midfield, and looked like they could do some damage.
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One of my favourite aspects of this Euro's is the spirit that the so-called less fancied teams have played with. Albania, Georgia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria and Romania have all played with real heart and ability
Jeremy
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Izzy Christiansen
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live
Romelu Lukaku will be going into the changing room after that game and will be getting so much praise from his team-mates. He was excellent. That Belgium team will know how much of an impact he had for them tonight.
Image source, EPAFT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
VAR rules out Lukaku's goal for offside
Romelu Lukaku at Euro 2024....
Three goal celebrations.
Three goals disallowed.
Ouch.
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
For the first time in European Championship history, all four teams in a single group are on equal points after the first two match rounds.
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Joe Hart
Former England goalkeeper on BBC One
Romelu Lukaku looked every bit a top class striker. At many points in his career he has shown that he is a top class striker, at some points he hasn't, but he looks comfortable in this team and feels like the focal point. When he is playing well he adds so much to this Belgium team.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Belgium double their lead through De Bruyne
Five attempts Three on target. One goal.
An impressive night for Kevin de Bruyne.
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Izzy Christiansen
Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live
Deserved win for Belgium. A really solid performance. Romelu Lukaku in particular has played a huge role in the game and had a big part in both of the goals.
FT: Belgium 2-0 Romania
Youri Tielemans fires Belgium ahead in 73 seconds
Talk about fast starts. Belgium took the lead after 73 seconds...
Belgium 2-0 Romania
Four teams. All locked on three points. Group E is going down to a final day shootout.
Next Wednesday's games...
Belgium 2-0 Romania
Belgium's Euro 2024 is up and running!
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Lukaku and De Bruyne rolling back the years for Belgium. There's legs in these old boys yet eh?
Kragg, Bradford
Belgium 2-0 Romania
Belgium's fans are partying in the stands. And why not? This is the night their Euros have come alive.
Belgium 2-0 Romania
Here come Romania. A long-range attempt by Radu Dragusin. It's deflected over for a corner.
Highlights: Belgium earn first points in thriller against Romania
Kevin De Bruyne inspired Belgium to the first Euro 2024 victory they desperately required with a virtuoso display in a thrilling victory over Romania in Cologne.
Belgium were under pressure in Group E after losing their opening game to Slovakia, but responded with an outstanding attacking display to illustrate exactly why they are rated among the favourites in Germany.
In a magnificent, colourful atmosphere, Youri Tielemans' low drive put them ahead after 73 seconds, setting the platform for Belgium to create a host of chances.
Romania managed to keep them at bay, the luckless Romelu Lukaku seing a third goal ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee in the tournament when he was adjudged to be offside from De Bruyne’s perfect pass.
Belgium and De Bruyne were not to be denied, and Manchester City's midfielder made the game safe when he poked home from close range after 79 minutes – leaving the group on a knife-edge as all four teams have three points.
Youri Tielemans fires Belgium ahead in 73 seconds
Belgium put themselves under pressure by going down to the defeat against Slovakia, but responded impressively in a frenetic, all-action encounter on Saturday.
Tielemans settled any early nerves as Belgium set about a Romania side that always carried a hint of threat themselves, only to prove wasteful when they had rare chances.
Lukaku was left cursing his luck again after having another goal ruled out by VAR, but the pass by De Bruyne was a clear signal that this world-class operator was approaching the sort of form Belgium require.
VAR rules out Lukaku's goal for offside
De Bruyne was at the heart of everything Belgium did, whether it was pulling the strings for others or having his own shots on target, relishing every moment of a match that always offered creative players the opportunity to flourish.
And there are few better than De Bruyne in this mood, looking at his best from the start, with one wonderful slalom cutting through Romania’s rearguard only for Dodi Lukebakio to fail to take advantage.
Belgium double their lead through De Bruyne
Lukaku must wonder when his luck with change in Germany, the striker working tirelessly and once again able to hit the target, only to see the goal ruled out. But he showed good signs and will feel confident he will get off the mark.
There was no margin for error for Belgium going into this game, despite the Euro 2024 format reducing the jeopardy, and this display will send self-belief surging through the camp.
Belgium now have the chance to secure a place in the last 16 when they face Ukraine in their final game on Wednesday.
Romania’s fans provided deafening noise and a yellow wall of support as they arrived in Cologne on a wave of excitement after their emphatic opening win against Ukraine.
Edward Iordanescu’s side were second best on Saturday but showed enough to justify the continued optimism of the supporters who still gave them a wonderful ovation after the final whistle.
Romania did have chances to equalise, with Belgium keeper Koen Casteels acrobatically turning Andrei Burca's header over the top shortly after Tielemans had put Belgium in front.
Their fans unfurled a giant banner reading "Pentru Tara Si Tricolori" – For The Country And The Three Colours – and there is a real unity between players and supporters, which will give them genuine hope of reaching the last 16 going into their final game against Slovakia.
Casteels was forced to save at the feet of Dennis Man as he raced clear with Romania chasing the leveller. It was a big moment - they can have no complaints about the result, but their Euro 2024 campaign still has much to offer.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 1 |
|
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
|
Manager: Domenico Tedesco
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Edward Iordanescu
Formation: 4 - 1 - 4 - 1
Manager: Domenico Tedesco
Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager: Edward Iordanescu
Formation: 4 - 1 - 4 - 1
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Belgium and Romania will be meeting at a major tournament for the first time. This is their first encounter since a Bucharest friendly in November 2012 – Romania won 2-1.
The head-to-head between Belgium and Romania is perfectly balanced with five wins each and two draws. In recent times, Belgium have won only won of their last five matches against Romania (D1 L3), a 2-1 friendly win in November 2011.
Belgium are looking to avoid losing their first two matches at a UEFA European Championship tournament for the very first time. They last did so at a major tournament back in 1930 at the inaugural World Cup.
Following their 3-0 win on MD1 of this year’s UEFA European Championship, Romania could win two matches in the same major tournament (World Cup/EUROs) for just the third time after the 1994 (3 wins) and 1998 (2 wins) World Cup finals.
Following a run of 13 wins in 14 group stage matches at major tournaments (L1 - World Cup/EUROs), Belgium have since gone three such games without a win (D1 L2) for the first time since a four-game run across EURO 2000 and World Cup 2002 (D2 L2).
Romania recorded their biggest ever victory at a major tournament (World Cup/EUROs) on MD1 against Ukraine (3-0) with EURO 2024 already just the second time the Tricolours have scored 3+ goals in a single UEFA European Championship across their six total such campaigns (also EURO 2000 – 4 goals).
Romania’s 29% possession against Ukraine on MD1 was the lowest share for a winning team on record (since 1980) in a single match at the UEFA European Championship – despite this, they faced just two shots on target, their fewest in a major tournament match since EURO 2008 against France (1).
Belgium have failed to score in three consecutive matches at a major tournament (World Cup/EUROs) for the very first time (74 matches) – across those goalless games the Red Devils have registered 42 shots and 11 shots on target from an expected goals figure of 5.7.
Nine of Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku’s 11 goals across the UEFA European Championship and World Cup have come in the group stages, including three at EURO 2020; he could however fail to score in back-to-back starts at a major tournament for the first time since the 2018 World Cup (4 in a row).
Dennis Man assisted two goals on MD1 against Ukraine to become the first Romanian to provide multiple assists in a UEFA European Championship match; since Romania manager Edward Iordănescu’s appointment in January 2022, Man is his nation’s joint-leading goalscorer (4 goals) and joint-leading assist provider (4 assists).
