Austria 2-3 Belgium: Romelu Lukaku on fire as his side squeezes past Austria to qualify for EURO 2024

Belgium has qualified for the European Championships next year after a tight victory against Austria saw them through to the next round, thus settling for three points in a tough victory. Lukebakio was on target twice before Big Rom turned things in their tide, as a brave-hearted Austrian side pulled two goals back, only in vain.

Belgium qualifies for EURO 2024

Belgium has been one of the top teams in the European circuit this season, and last night they had proved their mettle once again when they held out against a gutsy Austrian side, scraping a victory against one of the formidable teams in Europe. Although they had gone 2-0 up thanks to Dodi Lukebakio’s first international brace, Austria were continuously pegging back against the former World Number 1 side.

It was expected that the winner in Vienna would have taken the center-stage on getting a direct qualification at next summer’s European Championships. Belgium had taken a lead with Fulham defender Timothy Castagne setting up a debutant Lukebakio on the 12th minute. It was at that point that Belgium had dreamed of a third straight qualification in the coveted EUROS for the first time in history. The Sevilla striker who has enjoyed quite a topsy-turvy season with the Spanish heavyweights was rewarded with a National team call-up, and was well established to score his first goal for his country.

Lukebakio further continued his onslaught as he scored his second of the night, thus helping Belgium to a comfortable lead, on the 55th minute.

Romelu Lukaku adds to Austria’s misery

Romelu Lukaku, alias the “Big Rom” has been a talk of the town since the start of this season. After joining his old boss Mourinho at AS Roma, he has revived the old master-apprentice relationship with the “Special One”, thus scoring goals on a free run. Last night too, he did not think of hindering his free-scoring spree, after his strike on the 58th minute saw the Belgians take an unassailable lead of 3-0. Big Rom scored his eight goal in the qualifying campaign, thus becoming the top scorer of the way to EUROs.

But, few minutes later, the Belgian defense seemed to have taken a hit when they were reduced to 10 men, after Everton midfielder Onana was forced to see a second yellow card, thus getting marching orders from the match official. As a result of being one man down, the Belgian cushion of three goals seemed to deflate a bit, after Bayern Munich’s star Konrad Laimer slotted the ball past Sels, who has replaced the injured Courtois, thus bringing both teams close to parity.

Former Manchester United man Marcel Sabitzer scored from the spot, thus piling more misery on the Belgian defense, as the Austrians were taking advantage of the reduction in personnel for their opponents. But, Belgium stood firm in their defense, as they registered their fifth victory in six games, thus getting a hand on the group stage of next year’s European Championships. They had cemented their top spot in Group F, garnering 16 points from six games, thus staying undefeated in their way to the tournament. winning five and drawing one.

Along with Belgium, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe were on target for their side as their side registered comprehensive victories, thus confirming their place in the tournament next year, as Austria’s wait continues, but not long maybe, as they might join Belgium if they register a victory against minnows Azerbaijan when they lock horns next Monday.