Golden generation's swan song or Romelu's definite horror - Romania tie will tell
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 22.06.24. | 11:36
Belgium must win against the underdogs to keep their chances alive after a horrific 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in the opening game
For years, Belgium have been labelled as one of the most talented and potent sides in various tournaments, yet they have never managed to live up to those expectations.
And now, when many of their exquisite players have passed their prime, the Red Devils are facing a horror scenario in prospect. After just two opening games, they could become one of the first national teams to say goodbye to the European Championship.
Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku and the others lost the opening match to Slovakia, and are on the brink of the abyss as they must beat Romania on Saturday night (10 pm) to stay afloat.
Lukaku missed a handful of sitters along with two disallowed goals, which triggered an unprecedented mockery on social media.
Now, it's time for redemption, or at least that's what all Belgians have been hoping for.
Lukaku is Belgium's all-time leading scorer with 85 goals. His 14 qualifying goals set a new record for the European Championship. However, the opening 90 minutes were disastrous for the Chelsea striker and he surely wants to make amends.
"We never think about losing. We think about winning," Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said.
"If we pass the group stage, then I have a good feeling about us. Losing to Slovakia hasn't changed something in our mind."
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The Belgium manager also said striker Lukaku "can do more, of course" but supporters "can't expect six goals from six chances".
Interestingly enough, Belgium haven't lost the opening two group games of a major tournament since the inaugural 1930 World Cup.
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - GROUP STAGE
Saturday
16.00: (4.40) Georgia (3.50) Czech R. (1.85)
19.00: (5.70) Turkey (3.80) Portugal (1.63)
22.00: (1.50) Belgium (4.20) Romania (6.75)
Sunday
22.00: (5.00) Switzerland (3.70) Germany (1.80)
22.00: (2.95) Scotland (3.50) Hungary (2.50)
Monday
22.00: (7.50) Albania (4.40) Spain (1.45)
22.00: (3.05) Croatia (3.45) Italy (2.45)
***odds are subject to change***
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