BELGIUM TRIUMPHANT OVER UKRAINE, SECURES UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE SPOT
Romelu Lukaku's brilliance drives Belgium to a stunning comeback after defeating Ukraine 3-0, overturning a first-leg deficit in the UEFA Nations League playoff.
In a thrilling encounter on March 23, 2025, Belgium faced Ukraine at the Cegeka Arena in Genk, echoing the intensity of their previous meeting. The stakes were high, as Ukraine led the first leg with a convincing 3-1 victory. With an impressive performance from their star player Romelu Lukaku, who tallied two goals in the second half, Belgium made a strong statement by turning the tides in their favor, ultimately securing a place in League A of the UEFA Nations League.
Despite starting poorly in the first half, Belgium showed an unwavering determination to change the course of the match. The first goal came from Maxim De Cuyper, who scored in the 70th minute, receiving a delightful assist from Jérémy Doku. This goal not only lifted the spirits of the players and supporters alike but also reignited Belgium’s hopes of progressing in the tournament.
The momentum shifted significantly when Lukaku found the net twice shortly thereafter. At the 75th minute, he capitalized on a cross from Kevin De Bruyne, scoring Belgium's second goal and leveling the aggregate score after being 3-1 down from the first leg. Lukaku then clinched the deal with his second goal in the 86th minute, sealing the match at 3-0 and confirming Belgium's advancement to the next round.
The dramatic turnaround was especially critical as Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was absent due to precautionary measures. His absence put additional pressure on Matz Sels, who managed to fend off several Ukrainian attempts on goal, underlining Belgium's resilience in the face of adversity.
Ukrainian players fought hard but faltered under Belgium’s relentless pressure. Illia Zabarnyi received a yellow card for a foul and was one of four Ukrainian players who faced disciplinary action during the match. Their defense, which had held strong in the first leg, began to crumble under increasing Belgian attacks.
In a tense final few minutes, Belgium made key substitutions to maintain their lead and control the game. Nicolas Raskin was substituted by Bryan Heynen, while Trossard and Meunier were replaced by Saelemaekers and De Cuyper, ensuring freshness in attack and defense as they sought to manage the scoreline.
The match concluded with Belgium's dominant performance, clearly demonstrating their will to compete at the highest level in international football. Assistant Coach Rudi García commended his players for their determination and skill, emphasizing their ability to come back from a difficult first leg.
Belgium's resolve will boast their confidence ahead of future matches, as they aim to rise in international standing and avoid relegation in the League of Nations competitions. Meanwhile, Ukraine must regroup and learn from this defeat, having given a strong account of themselves in their previous fixtures but ultimately falling short in this must-win playoff.
As the referee blew the final whistle, the scoreline read 3-0 in favor of Belgium, marking a glorious comeback and signifying their future potential in international football.
