In a crucial showdown held on March 23, 2025, Belgium delivered an impressive performance against Ukraine in the League of Nations, securing a commanding 3-0 victory at the Cegeka Arena in Genk. The match was a high-stakes encounter, requiring Belgium to overturn a two-goal deficit to stay in League A after losing the earlier leg 3-1.
The Red Devils, under the guidance of new coach Rudi Garcia, needed a strong response after their disappointing loss in Murcia. From the outset, Belgium showed ambition, with Hans Vanaken appearing to be fouled in the penalty area shortly after the kickoff, but a VAR review ruled out the penalty claim.
Despite dominating possession and controlling the game, the first half ended scoreless, with several close calls. Kevin De Bruyne nearly scored in the 23rd minute with a curling shot that narrowly missed the top corner. Similarly, Vanaken had a chance that was thwarted by a corner resulting in an unexpected deflection off his own teammate, Vedat Muriqi, who struck the post of their own goal.
As the second half progressed, the urgency for goals grew. Belgium stepped up its offensive efforts, and after several missed opportunities, including a near miss from Romelu Lukaku in the 62nd minute where he sent a header wide from close range, the breakthrough finally came at the 70-minute mark. Maxim De Cuyper, who had just been subbed on, opened the scoring with a well-placed shot following an assist from Jeremy Doku.
Five minutes later, Lukaku showcased his striking prowess, equalizing the aggregate score with a stunning volley from a De Bruyne cross, making it 2-0 to the home side.
To cap off the exhilarating match, Lukaku struck again in the 86th minute, completing the scoring and sealing the Red Devils' victory at 3-0. This goal came courtesy of another assist from Vanaken, delivering a powerful cross that Lukaku expertly converted into the net.
This remarkable turnaround not only ensured Belgium's survival in League A but also provided a much-needed morale boost following their prior defeat. Garcia expressed satisfaction with his team's resilience and ability to rise to the occasion.
The victory underlines Belgium's potential as they continue to navigate through the competition while preparing for future challenges in international football. The Red Devils will look to build on this momentum in upcoming matches, aiming for better results in their ongoing quest to secure a spot in future championships.
