March 24 – With two goals Romelu Lukaku fired Belgium to a 3-0 win against Ukraine to erase a shock 3-1 defeat from the first leg and retain his side’s spot in the Nations League A-League.
With goals from substitute Maxim De Cuyper and striker Lukaku in the last 20 minutes, Belgium waltzed past Ukraine after Serhiy Rebrov team had upset the Red Devils on Thursday in Murcia.
Belgium needed a three-goal victory to prevent relegation from the Nations League’s top echelon for the first time and, with their backs against the wall, they delivered, but only just.
In a slow-burning first half, Ukraine were happy to concede possession to a Belgian side that offered limited danger on the left wing with the Manchester City duo Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne. Near the half-hour mark, the midfielder curled an attempt to the far post. With little acceleration and variation, it was as close as the hosts came. Belgium pinned the visitors back and Vladyslav Vanat deflected the ball against his own woodwork.
Defending a 3-1 lead, the Ukrainians sat back in a 5-4-1 formation and absorbed the pressure. They had dropped early pretences of playing out from the back, often clearing their lines with long balls. The strategy worked and Rebrov’s team returned to the dressing room with their advantage intact.
After the break, Belgium’s monopoly of the ball led to a flurry of opportunities, but Andriy Lunin saved Hans Vanaken’s close-range tap and, at the far post, Lukaku missed inexplicably with the goalmouth gaping. The striker had been invisible all evening and it was a reminder of his profligacy at key moments.
Instead, substitute De Cuyper was the architect of Belgium’s opening goal following a one-two with Doku in the 70th minute. His deft finish eluded Lunin to at last break the Ukrainian rearguard. Lukaku then made amends with a spectacular scissors kick from De Bruyne’s assist, 2-0. With four minutes left, Belgium’s number ten turned tie winner with a cool finish to find personal redemption and wrap up the night.
Rudi Garcia and his charges can breathe a sigh of relief. De Cuyper and Nicolas Rasking were among the bright spots in a much-changed side and through attacking football, they reconnected with their fans. As a reward, Belgium remain in the A-League where more top encounters await.
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