Romelu Lukaku scored a second consecutive brace against Estonia and helped Belgium to extend their unbeaten run in European Championship qualifiers to 19 matches as the Red Devils cruised to a 5-0 home win, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
Belgium wasted no time trying to cement their lead at the top of Group F and veteran defender Jan Vertonghen celebrated his 150th international cap in style, powerfully heading past Karl Hein from Yannick Carrasco’s corner.
The Red Devils kept the pressure on and the hosts were well on their way to a sixth consecutive win over Estonia when Leandro Trossard jinked past three players and fired into the top corner from the edge of the box.
With a winless run on the road in Euros qualifiers stretching back to October 2011, an Estonia comeback would require a near miracle. Yet Henri Anier almost gave his side hope as he chased down a long ball and struck a first-time volley against the underside of Koen Casteels’ crossbar.
Belgium remained on the front foot after half time and Romelu Lukaku tormented the visitors just as he did in the reverse fixture in June with two quickfire goals. Lukaku first controlled Orel Mangala’s through ball expertly and struck low into the net past Hein before the Belgian captain found space on the edge of the area, cut back onto his right foot and whipped a curling effort into the bottom right corner for his ninth Euros qualification goal.
The Red Devils subsequently kept the ball for large periods and stayed patient before adding a late fifth with Jérémy Doku teeing up Charles De Ketelaere in the box and he lashed a high shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
From the outset, Belgium were in control and eased to a one-sided victory as Domenico Tedesco notched his fifth win in six matches as Red Devils’ boss. It was a tough evening for Estonia and the defeat capped a disappointing international spell for Thomas Häberli’s side after they lost both fixtures, scored none and conceded nine.
