Lukaku Nets In Comfortable Belgium Win

Belgium put in a persistent display against Finland to earn a 2-0 win which completes a perfect group stage for Roberto Martinez’s men.

Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne were in the starting XI after their heroics against Denmark last time out, yet Finland defended well in the first half, limiting Belgium to few opportunities.

Romelu Lukaku looked hungry to add to his two goals in the tournament until that point, but could only a wayward strike and a weak header in the first period.

Hazard, still far from 100 percent, chose his moments to step up a gear. In the 63rd minute, the Real Madrid man had a decent chance inside the box but his left-footed effort was well saved by Lukas Hradecky.

Then moments later, De Bruyne threaded an incredible pass to Lukaku, who controlled expertly before firing into the back of the net. However, VAR intervened to rule out the goal for offside, with the Inter striker just inches ahead of the last man.

The goal eventually arrived, yet in the cruellest of circumstances. Hradecky, who had been the star of the night until that point, saw a Thomas Vermaelen header from a corner hit the post before rebounding off the goalkeeper’s hand and into the net for an own goal.

Lukaku eventually got his goal with eights remaining to seal the game and take his personal tally to three for the competition.

Belgium win Group B with maximum points, while Finland will now have to wait to find out if they are among the best third-placed sides.