Belgium secured victory in all three group matches in the European Championship for the first time with a winning result that left Finland hoping to qualify for the last 16.
The world’s No. 1 ranked team dominated the process in St Petersburg. But they led to Fukoli’s goal by Lukas Hradecky before Romelu Lukaku scored the second goal.
Finland dropped from second place in Group B to third place due to Denmark’s 4-1 victory over Russia in Copenhagen. And now they must have to wait to see if they qualify to be one of the top four teams in third place. The Danes will continue to face Wales on Saturday in Amsterdam.
In their first appearance in the big tournament, Finland looked strong. It would play in the knockout stages until Hradecky turned Thomas Vermaelen‘s header in his line after returning to him with woodwork. But now they look at danger for the third time, given their goal difference by -2.
The four third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stages. And the two teams, Switzerland and Ukraine, already have better records than Finns, with three more teams to complete.
Belgium’s victory also means that England, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and France are guaranteed to improve even if they drop to third place because they all have got the four points.
De Bruyne of team Belgium responds to fitness concerns.
Belgium will play one of the third-place finishers in Seville on June 27. And they look like a fearsome opposition with a single defeat in their last 26 games.
Moreover, the head coach Roberto Martinez made eight changes in their 2-1 win over Denmark. And while his side only played smoothly on the benches, the team’s relegation slowed down.
The Finnish goalkeeper Hradecky was key to opposing his side as he made a very good debut for Jeremy Doku and Eden Hazard.
But when Vermaelen’s header hit the post, Hadecky was helpless as the ball hit him across the line. And after seven minutes, he could not do much as Lukaku hit home from the Kevin de Bruyne‘s cross.
De Bruyne’s contribution will delight Belgian fans with the suspicion of pre-tournament fitness after he broke his nose and eye socket in the Champions League final.
The Manchester City midfielder had more touches than anyone on the pitch with 107 players. And has played more important (seven) passes than any other player and made a game-high five tackles.
