Estonia 0-3 Belgium: Romelu Lukaku strikes twice to earn much-needed Euro 2024 qualifying victory in Tallinn

Captain Romelu Lukaku scored twice to lead Belgium to a much-needed 3-0 victory over Estonia in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Lukaku scored twice in the space of three first-half minutes to settle the contest, with both goals coming from crosses. First Lukaku acrobatically guided Aster Vranckx’s out-swinger from the right into the far corner, then he met Arthur Theate’s pinpoint delivery from the left to double the lead.

Matz Sels made his competitive debut in the Belgium goal with Courtois absent, but was never tested.

Johan Bakayoko added a classy third for the Red Devils in the 90th minute, cutting between two defenders before curling a low shot past Karl Hein.

Belgium now have seven points from three games and sit second in Group F. Estonia have one from three and look unlikely to qualify for a maiden European Championship.

TALKING POINT – Lukaku finds solace on international duty

Lukaku suffered an ignominious end to the club season in the Champions League final, but has bounced back admirably in Belgium colours. Captaining the side in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence, he has scored three goals in two games and almost single-handedly salvaged four points. A difficult international break for the Red Devils could have been a disaster were it not for Lukaku’s goals and leadership.

Lukaku’s club future is up in the air and recent struggles have led some to cast him as a tragic figure – but he continues to operate at a high level on the international stage. This game offered another reminder of Lukaku’s qualities as well as his continued commitment to the Belgian cause, which stands in contrast to Courtois’ attitude.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)

Starved of service for much of the match, Lukaku came up clutch when big opportunities arrived.

PLAYER RATINGS

Estonia: Hein 6, Sinyavskiy 6, Kuusk 5, Mets 5, Peetson 6, Teniste 5, Poom 5, Miller 6, Kait 5, Ojamaa 4, Sappinen 5. Subs: Tunjov 4, Anier 4, Sorga 4, Reinkort 4 , Shein 4.

Belgium: Sels 6, Castagne 5, Faes 6, Vertonghen 6, Theate 7, Tielemans 5, Tresor 5, Vranckx 7, Bakayoko 7, Carrasco 6, Lukaku 8. Subs: Doku 6, Mangala 6, Al-Dakhil 6, Batshuayi 5, Deman 5.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

BELGIUM COUNTER-ATTACK 17′ – Belgium launch a rapid counter-attack from an Estonia corner and get a three-on-two break. Carrasco, perhaps lacking the pace to go through on goal, plays in Lukaku but the pass takes Lukaku wide. By the time he cuts back onto his left foot, defenders are closing in and Lukaku’s low shot is saved by Hein.

LUKAKU SCORES GOAL FROM NOTHING 37′ – Nothing looks to be on amid some stale Belgium possession, but Lukaku gets in front of his man as Vranckx produces a cross from the right and Lukaku then applies a deft touch, guiding the ball into the far corner.

LUKAKU GETS ANOTHER 40′ – Theate does really well to advance down the left flank and sends in a low cross which Lukaku meets, scoring with another smart first-time finish. Lethal from Lukaku.

CHANCE FOR SAPPINEN 51′ – Sappinen gets to a through ball ahead of Vertonghen, then turns the defender to engineer a shooting chance, but blasts over.

BAKAYOKO PUTS CHERRY ON BELGIUM’S CAKE 90′ – Bakayoko collects a Carrasco through ball, cuts between two defenders and curls a shot into the far corner to grow Belgium’s lead.

KEY STAT

Lukaku has scored six goals in four matches versus Estonia and is now up to 75 goals for Belgium.