Belgium found their stride in Group A1 with a commanding 3-0 win over Turkey, a result that lifted the Red Devils to within one point of leaders France and left the visitors facing an increasingly difficult fight to remain in League A.
In a game shaped by sharp Belgian finishing and Turkey’s inability to turn promising spells into goals, Kevin De Bruyne scored twice before substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the evening. Belgium now have six points, while Turkey remain bottom without a point after three matches.
De Bruyne sets the tone
Turkey arrived under pressure following defeats to France and Italy in their opening two group fixtures, but Belgium made the first decisive move in the 10th minute. De Bruyne won possession, carried the ball forward past a succession of opponents and finished calmly when through against the goalkeeper.
Arda Güler and his team-mates responded positively, creating several opportunities to restore parity before the break. Belgium, though, continued to look dangerous whenever space opened up in transition.
Dodi Lukebakio, the Benfica forward, came closest to adding a second before half-time when his effort struck the woodwork with around 10 minutes of the first period remaining. The score nevertheless stayed at 1-0 until the interval.
Woodwork and a decisive second-half burst
The post denied Lukebakio again in the 53rd minute, but Belgium did not have to wait long for the cushion their display deserved. Five minutes later, De Bruyne produced another outstanding finish, driving an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area.
Turkey’s difficult night was sealed after Lukaku entered in the 61st minute. The striker needed fewer than 15 minutes to make his mark, eventually forcing the ball home during a chaotic attacking sequence to put Belgium three goals ahead.
There could have been further damage for Turkey, whose three straight defeats have also brought a heavy goals-against tally. Belgium, meanwhile, leave the match second in the section on six points, just one behind France as the group takes shape.
