Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s 3rd goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group B match between Belgium and Russia at the Saint Petersburg stadium
Romelu Lukaku scored a double as Euro 2020 favourites Belgium started the tournament with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Russia in St Petersburg on Saturday.
The Inter Milan forward opened the scoring in the 10th minute for Belgium with a sharp finish, before they got their second from Thomas Meunier in the 34th minute.
Lukaku rounded out the result with a third in the 88th minute, slotting home at the near post from Meunier’s pass.
The Red Devils win comes without star man Kevin De Bruyne as well as Axel Witsel, showing intent for the tournament ahead.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez said: “The performance is very pleasing. It is never easy to start a tournament of this magnitude and we looked a team very concentrated for 90 minutes.
“We kept a clean sheet in a very good way and the win will allow us to grow into the tournament.”
Elsewhere, Finland produced a major shock, scoring with their only shot on goal, to claim a 1-0 victory against Denmark in Group B’s other game.
Joel Pohjanpalo headed home in 59th minute for the game’s only goal.
There was a lengthy delay and scary moment late in the first half when Christian Eriksen collapsed to the game and had to be urgently attended to by paramedics.
Eriksen was rushed to hospital but is in a stable hospital and talking to doctors.
Wales and Switzerland both drew 1-1 in Group A’s second game with Kieffer Moore cancelling out Breel Embolo’s opener.
