Tallinn (AFP)
Belgium, led for twenty minutes, ended up winning easily in Estonia (5-2) in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, thanks in particular to two new goals from the inevitable Romelu Lukaku, Thursday in Tallinn.
The first nation in the Fifa rankings still suffered at the start of the match against the 110th world selection before signing a demonstration, at least on the offensive level, the fault of a sometimes worrying defense.
This success allows the Red Devils to consolidate their position as leader of Group E, three days before receiving their main rival in this pool, the Czech Republic.
Deprived of several injured players (De Bruyne, Vertonghen, Doku, Meunier, Castagne, Thorgan Hazard), Roberto Martinez's men started the match in the worst possible way by conceding a goal in the second minute on a strike from Mattias Kaeit.
With a very good Eden Hazard, very comfortable in a role of free electron, the Belgians stuck to the score in the 22nd minute thanks to a header from Hans Vanaken.
Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken opens the scoring against Estonia, during qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, September 2, 2021 in Tallinn RAIGO PAJULA AFP
- Lukaku on its way -
Romelu Lukaku then scored his 65th and 66th selection goals (29, 52) to put Belgium right side up, before Axel Witsel (65) then Thomas Foket (76) brought the score to 5-1.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku scores the third goal against Estonia, during qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, September 2, 2021 in Tallin RAIGO PAJULA AFP
In his last 48 appearances for Belgium, the Chelsea striker has found his way into the net 49 times.
An impressive statistic which masks the Belgian deficiencies in defense.
Because modest Estonia managed to deceive Courtois twice, Erik Sorga scoring the second goal in the 83rd minute.
The rearguard therefore remains the Achilles heel of a team that often tends to defend by retreating, as when it was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the last Euro against Italy.
A defense which is the main site of coach Roberto Martinez.
The three usual holders, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld are very much in their thirties and the last two mentioned play in low-rated championships (Japan and Qatar).
© 2021 AFP