Belgium player ratings vs Romania: Classy Kevin De Bruyne bosses it to kickstart his nation’s Euro 2024 campaign but VAR is robbing luckless Romelu Lukaku of a Golden Boot

Belgium player ratings vs Romania: Classy Kevin De Bruyne bosses it to kickstart his nation’s Euro 2024 campaign but VAR is robbing luckless Romelu Lukaku of a Golden Boot

The Manchester City midfielder showed his class as the Chelsea-owned forward was denied a third goal of the tournament by VAR.

Goals in either half from Youri Tielemans and the brilliant Kevin De Bruyne earned Belgium an impressive 2-0 win over Romania.

The Belgians looked like they had a point to prove after their Slovakia loss, and took the lead inside 75 seconds through Tielemans following a flowing team move. Romania were thankful for goalkeeper Florin Nita making a number of good saves as they struggled to live with Belgium’s high-octane tempo.

Edward Iordanescu’s team rallied in the second half but good chances still fell the way of De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku – who would be top of the Golden Boot standings now if it wasn’t for VAR, with a third strike of the tournament having been ruled out here. Dennis Man came closest for Romania but Belgium talisman De Bruyne produced a poacher’s finish to seal the win; with all four teams in Group E now locked on three points with one game to go.

GOAL rates Belgium’s players from RheinEnergieStadion…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Koen Casteels (7/10):

  Was alert to the danger to push away a fierce strike early doors and was a solid pair of hands throughout the contest. Made a crucial save to keep out Dennis Man’s close-range effort.

  Timothy Castagne (6/10):

  Was sometimes caught out of position and his decision-making was occasionally questionable but was competent enough at the back.

  Wout Faes (6/10):

  The Leicester City defender was neat and tidy but forward Denis Dragus gave him a few problems on the night.

  Jan Vertonghen (8/10):

  His hefty experience was on display when the 37-year-old made some important interceptions in and around his own area.

  Arthur Theate (7/10):

  Looked the more calm and composed of the full-backs, as he put in an assured display against the quick-to-counter Romanians.

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    Midfield

    Youri Tielemans (8/10):

    Justified his selection in the starting lineup with a rasping strike for the opening goal. Added a lot of quality in Belgium’s midfield.

    Amadou Onana (7/10):

    On the whole, the Everton man broke up play nicely and looked confident on the ball, while releasing others further up the pitch.

    Kevin De Bruyne (9/10):

    Looked in the mood. His distribution was on point and on another night would have grabbed a hat-trick. The Belgian talisman put in a captain’s performance and grabbed a late goal with a clinical finish.

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      Attack

      Dodi Lukebakio (6/10):

      Arguably should have made it 2-0 inside 20 minutes but took a touch too many when presented with a big chance by De Bruyne. Picked up a yellow card, which means he is suspended for the next game. Solid but not nearly as effective as team-mate Jeremy Doku.

      Romelu Lukaku (7/10):

      His hold-up play was powerful and impressive but the striker is still, at times, a bit slow to react and his awareness of the game around him could improve. Looked to have broke his Euros duck, only to have a third goal of the competition ruled out.

      Jeremy Doku (8/10):

      Brought his full box of tricks to the contest as he weaved in and out of Romania’s would-be defence with relative ease. A big threat throughout.

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        Subs & Manager

        Leandro Trossard (5/10):

        Didn’t offer a great deal when introduced, and was too slow in delivering passes into the box – arguably justifying Domenico Tedesco’s decision to drop him.

        Yannick Carrasco (7/10):

        Went on a superb solo run that nearly led to a goal for his side.

        Orel Mangala (6/10):

        Was quiet when he came on.

        Zeno Debast (6/10):

        Did his defensive duties competently.

        Domenico Tedesco (7/10):

        Made four changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Slovakia in their previous fixture and one of his changes, Tielemans, had an instant impact. They looked sluggish against Slovakia but were energetic and dynamic here to keep their knockout hopes alive.

        Source Goal.com