Kevin De Bruyne leads Belgium to a convincing victory over Turkey
On Thursday evening Belgium convincingly beat Turkey in the Nations League, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring two goals and substitute Romelu Lukaku securing the final score; national coach Mark van Bommel led his Red Devils to a 3‑0 victory, but De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans risk a suspension for the next match against France.
De Bruyne opens with brilliant action
De Bruyne opened the match after just ten minutes. He received the ball from Dodi Lukebakio, slipped past Abdulkerim Bardakci between the legs and calmly shot behind Ugurcan Cakir. It gave Belgium 1‑0. Turkey tried to respond through Arda Güler, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept the ball out.
Before the break Belgium still had chances to extend the lead. De Bruyne found Hans Vanaken, who tried to flick a ball into the air, but Cakir saved. Later De Bruyne sent Mika Godts into the depth; via Lukebakio the ball reached him, but his shot hit the post via Cakir's hand. A corner kick ended with Merih Demiral, who shot the ball over.
Shortly before the break the equaliser was missing; the ball ended up with Demiral at the second post, but he shot over from close range. The Belgians went to the dressing room with a 1‑0 lead. The first half was characterised by possession and a few missed chances.
Lukaku delivers the decisive victory
After the break Turkey applied pressure, but Güler's attempt was blocked and Yunus Akgün tested Lammens. De Bruyne then provided a brilliant contribution: on the suggestion of Youri Tielemans he struck the ball from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner, bringing the score to 2‑0.
Immediately afterwards Mark van Bommel introduced Romelu Lukaku and Romeo Lavia. Lukaku finished a quick free kick in the 77th minute: Charles De Ketelaere delivered a cross from the right, Lukaku flicked the ball in one touch and set the final score at 3‑0. In the closing stages he tried to make a second, but the ball rolled wide.
Shortly before his departure De Bruyne received a yellow card for his reaction to a foul; as a result he will miss the upcoming match against France. Youri Tielemans is also out of the squad due to a suspension. Belgium ends the Nations League match with a convincing win, but will have to face the next confrontation without two key players.