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Cyprus vs. Belgium: Score, Reaction from World Cup 2018 Qualifier
- Updated: September 6, 2016
Belgium started their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a win on Tuesday, as Romelu Lukaku led the Red Devils to a 3-0 triumph over Cyprus with a brace.
Lukaku gave the visitors an early lead with a close-range header, but the Belgians failed to capitalise on their momentum, and the score was still 1-0 at half-time.
The Everton man doubled his tally after 61 minutes with a towering header, and Yannick Carrasco added a third goal with 10 minutes left to play. Michy Batshuayi missed a penalty shortly before the final whistle.
As shared by the team’s official Twitter account, manager Roberto Martinez introduced Thomas Vermaelen into the starting XI, opting to go for a fluid squad and experimenting with a 3-4-3 look:
Line-up : Courtois, Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Fellaini, Witsel, Carrasco, De Bruyne, E. Hazard & R. Lukaku #cypbel
— BelgianRedDevils (@BelRedDevils) September 6, 2016
Jordan Lukaku made way for the AS Roma man, after the left-back disappointed in the friendly loss against Spain. Radja Nainggolan’s absence was a bit of a shock, given the midfielder’s fine Serie A form.
Cyprus started the match on the front foot, showing no fear whatsoever of the vaunted Belgian side. Teenager Grigoris Kastanos of Juventus, who made his full international debut, immediately threw himself into every duel.
The Belgians soon took control of the ball but were sloppy with their passing early. The hosts defended very deep inside their own half, forcing the Red Devils to work the ball wide and use plenty of crosses.
Jan Vertonghen almost released Lukaku in behind the defence on a rare counter-attack, and Eden Hazard had a shot deflected after some strong work from Kevin De Bruyne. Georgios Efrem almost unlocked Belgium’s defence with a surging run, but Vertonghen intervened just in time.
The Belgians took the lead after 13 minutes in bizarre fashion. A free-kick from De Bruyne landed back at his feet after an odd, high cross from Vertonghen, and the …
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