In a remarkable turn of events, the Belgian national football team showcased their determination and skills on March 23, 2025, defeating Ukraine 3-0. The match marked a solid performance following some previous struggles, with coach Rudi Garcia making strategic changes after the first leg against Ukraine.
Matz Sels made his debut in goal, stepping in for Thibaut Courtois, who was sidelined as a precaution. Thomas Meunier retained his place on the right flank, while Timothy Castagne anchored the left side of defense. The heart of the defense saw Wout Faes and Zeno Debast team up to stop Ukrainian advances, while Nicolas Raskin was chosen to fill the gap left by the suspended Youri Tielemans. Garcia’s choices were also influenced by the absence of injured players Amadou Onana and Orel Mangala.
With a formidable lineup that included Kevin De Bruyne, Hans Vanaken, and Romelu Lukaku, the match began with an aggressive approach. Belgium’s attacking strategy focused heavily on quick ball movement and targeting De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku, who were vital to their success. Doku’s presence on the wing proved critical, opening up space for others.
The first half of the game, however, left fans wanting more. Despite a dominant performance from the Belgian team, they went into halftime scoreless. The opening minutes saw a controversial moment when Vanaken was fouled in the penalty area, but the referee only awarded a yellow card to Raskin for a minor infraction, igniting frustration among players and supporters alike.
Kevin De Bruyne continuously threatened with deft passes and powerful shots, notably trying to net a goal that hit the wrong side of the crossbar. Lukaku and Leandro Trossard struggled to find their rhythm, making the lack of scoring especially disappointing given Belgium's control of the game.
As the second half unfolded, the dynamic shifted following Garcia’s substitutions. Maxim De Cuyper, who replaced Meunier, immediately made an impact, scoring just seconds after entering the match. This early goal provided a much-needed boost to the Belgian squad.
Romelu Lukaku, known for his scoring prowess, responded dramatically with two stunning goals, emphasizing his importance to the team. The first came after a sharp assist from Saelemaekers, allowing Lukaku to volley home a beautifully set-up opportunity. His second goal, marking his 88th for Belgium, sealed the 3-0 victory, displaying a powerful performance that fans had been eagerly awaiting.
Overall, the match against Ukraine highlighted the top mentality that Garcia aimed to instill in the team. "Dat is de topmentaliteit die iedereen wil zien, met dank aan De Cuyper en Big Rom: België blijft in A-groep Nations League," noted sports commentator Johan Walckiers, reflecting the sentiment shared by many after the impressive showing.
This triumph not only affirms Belgium's place in the A-group of the Nations League but also showcases their potential to rebound from adversity and perform at a high level. The blend of young energy and experienced players like De Bruyne and Lukaku suggests a promising future for the national team as they build momentum in upcoming matches.
