Youri Tielemans breathed new life into Belgium’s Euro 2024 campaign as the Aston Villa midfielder’s goal after just 73 seconds inspired a vital 2-0 win against Romania on Saturday. Domenico Tedesco’s side would have been on the brink of elimination if they had suffered a second successive Group E defeat. Get on board Kayo and watch every game of every round of the NRL + AFL Seasons live and ad break free during play.
New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today > But Tielemans’ second-minute strike in Cologne eased fears of yet another major tournament flop from star-studded Belgium. Kevin De Bruyne wrapped up the points in the closing stages to leave all four teams in the group level on three points. The stage is set for a dramatic final round of fixtures in the battle to reach the last 16.
Belgium face Ukraine and Romania play Slovakia on June 26. With 45 rungs separating the two nations in FIFA’s rankings, third-placed Belgium’s 1-0 loss to Slovakia on Monday was the biggest upset in European Championship history. Romania, ranked in 47th place, competed gamely as they chased their own shock, but this time Belgium’s superior class proved decisive.
Having bowed out at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and lost in the quarter-finals of the last two Euros, Belgium’s golden generation have given themselves fresh hope of finally delivering on their vast potential. Youri Tielemans scored after 73 seconds. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) Source: AFP MORE COVERAGE .
