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Belgium 2-0 Romania: Much-improved Red Devils off the mark at Euro 2024

Tielemans scored within 73 seconds (AFP via Getty Images)
Tielemans scored within 73 seconds (AFP via Getty Images)

A much-improved Belgium beat Romania 2-0 to get off the mark at Euro 2024.

The Red Devils were stunned by Slovakia in the opening game but Youri Tielemans' strike after 73 seconds and Kevin De Bruyne's second-half effort got them up and running.

It leaves Group E finely poised, with all four teams on three points after two games, with Belgium topping the table ahead of their game with Ukraine.

Tielemans gave his side the perfect start by scoring the third-fastest goal in European Championship history when he drilled Romelu Lukaku's lay-off home from the edge of the area.

Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin brought a fine save out of Koen Casteels as Romania chased a quick response but Belgium had enough first-half chances to have the game wrapped up.

Dodi Lukebakio forced a flying save from Florin Nita, with Jan Vertonghen flashing the resulting corner over while Nita also denied the dangerous Jeremy Doku.

De Bruyne flashed a curling effort inches wide as Belgium chased that elusive second goal which they thought arrived midway through the second half.

Lukaku raced clear and coolly converted to spark wild scenes of celebration, but they were cut short by a VAR ruling of offside - the third goal Lukaku has seen disallowed in the tournament.

Casteels had to make a fine save to deny Dennis Man as Romania had a rare attack but Belgium wrapped it up 11 minutes from time.

Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne raced on to a long ball and bravely slid home to send his side top of Group E as their recovery from the Slovakia defeat was completed.

Additional reporting from PA