Belgium book sheet to Russia
WORLD CUP BECKONS: Manchester United striker Lukaku headed in a Thomas Meunier cranky in a 74th notation in Piraeus for a wilful idea in a 2-1 Belgium win that guaranteed them tip mark in European subordinate Group H. PHOTO: AFP
PARIS: Romelu Lukaku’s idea authorised Belgium to turn a initial European republic to bind gift for a 2018 World Cup on Sunday as much-fancied France were hold to an annoying goalless pull by Luxembourg.
Manchester United striker Lukaku headed in a Thomas Meunier cranky in a 74th notation in Piraeus for a wilful idea in a 2-1 Belgium win that guaranteed them tip mark in European subordinate Group H.
All a goals came in a raging five-minute spell, with a low expostulate by Jan Vertonghen putting Roberto Martinez’s side forward in a 70th minute.
Portuguese-born midfielder Zeca equalised for Greece usually for Lukaku to squeeze a wilful idea — his 10th in 7 qualifiers — a notation later.
With usually dual matches remaining, Belgium suffer an irrefutable eight-point lead over second-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina, for whom Edin Dzeko netted twice in a 4-0 win over Gibraltar.
Belgium join Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico and hosts Russia in guaranteeing a place during subsequent year’s finals.
In a conflict for second and a mark in November’s play-offs, Bosnia are now a indicate forward of Greece and 4 transparent of Cyprus, beaten 1-0 in Estonia.
Three days after a 4-0 drop of a Netherlands in that they showcased their frightening array of aggressive talent, France valid themselves incompetent to mangle down minnows Luxembourg, a republic fibbing 136th in a universe rankings.
Didier Deschamps’ side, with Kylian Mbappe starting after entrance off a dais to measure opposite a Dutch, had some-more than 70 percent possession and over 30 attempts on idea in Toulouse yet unsuccessful to find a approach by and a final alarm was greeted with a carol of boos.
Antoine Griezmann smacked a 30-yard free-kick off a bar 5 mins before half-time while Paul Pogba saw a header miscarry off a support of a idea late on.
It could have been worse for Les Bleus, though, as Luxembourg surrogate Gerson Rodrigues outpaced Laurent Koscielny in a 79th notation before saying his shot strike an upright.
It is a initial time France have unsuccessful to win opposite Luxembourg given 1914 and a usually satisfaction for a French is that they sojourn a indicate transparent of Sweden during a tip of Group A with dual games remaining.
“Thursday’s outcome was critical yet so was removing 3 points today, so we’ll need to quarrel to a end,” Deschamps told TF1. “The final dual games will be decisive. We are in a improved conditions than we were in June, nonetheless we are unhappy tonight.”
Sweden, who kick France 2-1 in June, are second after a resounding 4-0 win in Belarus with goals from Emil Forsberg, Christoffer Nyman, Marcus Berg and an Andreas Granqvist penalty.
Meanwhile, a Netherlands increased their gift hopes with a 3-1 win over Bulgaria in Amsterdam.
Davy Propper scored twice possibly side of an Arjen Robben bid as a Dutch climbed above Bulgaria into third, 3 points behind Sweden who revisit Amsterdam subsequent month.
Article source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/1497808/belgium-book-ticket-russia/