Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco, expressed his desire for his team to be more clinical in front of goal following their 2-0 win over Romania. While the victory was crucial for Belgium after losing their opener to Slovakia, Tedesco highlighted the missed opportunities that could have seen them secure a more comfortable win. With 20 shots on goal and nine on target, Belgium’s lack of conversion forced them to work hard for the victory.
Despite the win, Belgium had another goal disallowed, further adding to their frustrations. Romelu Lukaku, who had his third disallowed goal in the tournament, was marginally offside for a second-half strike against Romania. Tedesco acknowledged the need for a more efficient finishing, emphasizing the importance of converting the numerous chances they create. The coach expressed his disappointment in not being able to decide the game earlier on given the quality of chances his team had.
Kevin De Bruyne came to Romelu Lukaku’s defense, dismissing concerns over the striker’s disallowed goals. De Bruyne praised Lukaku’s performance and generosity on the field, highlighting his contributions to the team’s success. Despite the setbacks with disallowed goals, De Bruyne believes that Lukaku has had a great tournament and that his impact goes beyond just scoring goals.
De Bruyne’s Leadership Role
De Bruyne, who captained Belgium in the match against Romania, spoke about his leadership role within the team. He mentioned the possibility of retiring from international football but clarified that he hasn’t made a decision yet. De Bruyne emphasized the knowledge and experience he brings to the team and expressed his willingness to continue playing as long as he can contribute effectively.
Looking ahead to Belgium’s final group match against Ukraine, Tedesco faces challenges with player availability. Dodi Lukebakio will be unavailable due to suspension, while Thomas Meunier is expected to join the squad after recovering from a muscle injury. Arthur Theate, who was substituted in the win over Romania due to a knock, is likely to be fit for the upcoming match. The team is also awaiting scan results for Axel Witsel, who missed the game against Romania, but remain optimistic about his absence not being a long-term setback.
Belgium’s victory over Romania highlighted the team’s need for more clinical finishing. Tedesco’s call for efficient goal conversion, Lukaku’s resilience despite disallowed goals, De Bruyne’s leadership, and the team’s preparations for the next match all point towards a team striving for success in the tournament. With improvements in their finishing, Belgium aims to secure more decisive victories and progress further in the competition.