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Belgium v Romania – LIVE from 9pm

(Bild: AFP/APA/Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV)

Second matchday in Group E of the European Championship. The match between Belgium and Romania is underway, we are reporting live (see ticker below). The score is currently 1:0.

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Belgium have a clear goal in sight at the European Championship in Germany. The false start with the 0:1 against Slovakia on Monday is to be eradicated in the second Group E match against Romania in Cologne. However, the Romanians are smiling from the top of the table after their 3-0 win over Ukraine and are extremely confident. They could reward themselves with an early place in the round of 16.

Hardly any suggestions for improvement
The Belgians, on the other hand, are threatened with elimination before the knockout phase, just like at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished third in Pool F with four points. That would be a low blow that should be avoided at all costs. In the Belgian camp, efforts were therefore made to keep calm after the botched start. "I haven't been able to tell the team much about what they need to do better," said Belgium team boss Domencio Tedesco.

Domenico Tedesco

(Bild: VIRGINIE LEFOUR)

One problem, however, was undoubtedly the exploitation of chances; even a clear victory for the "Red Devils" led by captain Kevin de Bruyne would not have been undeserved. Instead, they were punished for their lack of efficiency. "I would be worried if we didn't have the necessary quality. That's why I'm optimistic that we'll score on Saturday," said defender Jan Vertonghen. In addition to De Bruyne, there are plenty of attacking weapons in Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard.

Names that should be rated significantly higher than those of the Romanians, who are in high spirits after scoring three goals in only their second win at a European Championship. It is clear to everyone that it will be a completely different game against Belgium than against Ukraine. "But we have courage, believe in ourselves and know what we are capable of," emphasized midfielder Ianis Hagi, son of legend Gheorge, who led Romania to the quarter-finals at Euro 2000.

The Romanians have celebrated a perfect start to the European Championship.

(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

"Surfing the wave"
Team boss Eduard Iordanescu has all players on board for the big task. "We already have three points, we're surfing the wave," he called out to them during Friday training. Self-confidence and euphoria should carry the underdogs to the next surprise. "Any mistake can cost us dearly, we're up against some of the most expensive players in the world," noted defender Andrei Burca.