Brussels – Belgium beat Switzerland 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League. Romelu Lukaku brought two goals to determine Belgium’s victory. In the match held at the King Baudouin Stadium on Saturday (10/13/2018) this early morning local time, the match was very fast and interesting. Both teams took the initiative to attack and show opportunity after opportunity from the first minute to the end. Lukaku brought Belgium ahead through a goal in the 58th minute. But, Switzerland was able to equalize through Mario Gavranovic’s action in the 76th minute. The Manchester United striker sealed the Red Devils victory by scoring his second goal in the 84th minute.
This draw makes Belgium lead the temporary League A Group 2 standings with 6 points. Switzerland followed 3 points and Iceland 0 points. The match starts, the high tempo is immediately shown by both teams. Switzerland gets a chance first. Starting from Youri Tielemans blunder, the ball came to Xherdan Shaqiri. The Liverpool player immediately shot from outside the penalty box but Thibaut Courtois could still be held in the second minute. Not to be outdone, Belgium immediately replaced the attack after Eden Hazard’s individual action which pierced the Swiss back line. However, Tielemans who get the ball instead shoot away from the target. Switzerland has more control over ball possession and they rely heavily on Shaqiri as the creator of the attack. Luckily for Belgium, Swiss attacks have not been effective. Rod Duivels attacks more often through the wings through two wing backs Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco. But, there was also nothing sweet that the first half ended goalless. In the second half, Switzerland got a golden opportunity when the game had been running for two minutes. But, Haris Seferovic who was in a comfortable position, could not even shoot perfectly. Romelu Lukaku is more visible in the second half. He tried several times to make chances and was in various positions.
Had failed several times, Lukaku was finally able to score a goal for Belgium in the 58th minute. Utilizing the collaboration between Hazard, Dries Mertens, then Meunier, the Paris Saint-Germain defender gave a short pass to Lukaku who was empty. The Manchester United striker coolly fired a left-footed shot into Yann Sommer’s goal. Belgium lead 1-0. Tempo games are getting faster. Belgium want to add to the advantage, but Switzerland have also made several quick attacks using space left by Belgian wing backs. The Swiss struggle produced fruit in the 76th minute. Starting from Shaqiri’s free kick, the ball headed towards Nico Elvedi then headed towards an empty Mario Gavranovic. The substitute easily scored the equalizer.
Both teams were both passionate and the game became more interesting. Shaqiri and Hazard became the main motor of attack for both teams. Vincent Kompany and Lukaku had a golden opportunity in front of goal, but their header did not go towards goal. Six minutes before dispersal, Lukaku finally became a Belgian hero. Starting from one-two cooperation with Mertens, Lukaku got space and immediately carried out a hard kick that could not be held. Belgium finally won with a narrow score of 2-1.
ASL
Adrian Limanto
