Kevin De Bruyne scored twice and substitute Romelu Lukaku added a third as Belgium beat Türkiye 3-0 in Liège on Friday, moving to within a point of leaders France in UEFA Nations League A, Group 1 and handing Mark van Bommel his first home win as Belgium coach.
Match facts
- Result: Belgium 3-0 Türkiye (half-time 1-0)
- Competition: UEFA Nations League A, Group 1, Matchday 3
- Venue: Stade Maurice Dufrasne, Liège
- Scorers: Belgium - De Bruyne 10', 59', Lukaku 76'
- Assists: Lukébakio 10', Tielemans 59', De Ketelaere 76'
- Red cards: None
- Next: France v Belgium, Monday 5 October; Italy v Türkiye
How the match unfolded
Belgium needed only ten minutes to go ahead. De Bruyne played a one-two with Dodi Lukébakio, slipped the ball through the legs of Abdülkerim Bardakcı and placed a low finish into the corner from the edge of the area.
Türkiye had plenty of the ball and created chances of their own, but Belgium were dangerous on the break. Uğurcan Çakır saved from Hans Vanaken's back-heel flick and pushed a powerful Lukébakio strike onto the post before half-time.
Lukébakio hit the woodwork again early in the second half, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu curled wide for the visitors. Senne Lammens then got down quickly to stop Yunus Akgün, and Belgium punished Türkiye almost immediately. In the 59th minute Youri Tielemans won the ball back from Akgün outside the box and laid it off to De Bruyne, who curled a superb shot into the top corner.
Lukaku came on for Lukébakio and wrapped up the win in the 76th minute, touching in Charles De Ketelaere's delivery from close range for his 94th international goal. Belgium protected their clean sheet through some late Türkiye pressure.
What it means
The two goals were the 200th and 201st of De Bruyne's career, and the 35-year-old Napoli playmaker was the clear star of the night. "I try to lead by example for the younger players, and they follow easily," he said. "I feel I can still contribute. I am enjoying myself, and that is the main thing."
Belgium now have six points from three games under Van Bommel, two wins and a defeat to France (Belgium 0-1 France). France lead on seven after their 1-1 draw with Italy, while Türkiye remain pointless after three defeats in their first League A campaign, having also lost 4-1 at home to Italy (Türkiye 1-4 Italy).
What happens next
Belgium travel to the Stade de France on Monday 5 October for a top-of-the-table meeting with France. Türkiye visit Italy on the same night.