De Bruyne Double Fires Belgium to 3-0 Nations League Win Over Turkey
Kevin De Bruyne struck twice as Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in Liège on Friday, lifting the hosts to second place in their UEFA Nations League A group. Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to add the third and seal a result that keeps Belgium firmly in contention after three matches.
Quick facts
- Belgium 3-0 Turkey at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium.
- De Bruyne scored in the 10th and 60th minutes.
- Lukaku completed the scoring in the 75th minute.
- Belgium have six points and sit second in Group A.
- Turkey remain bottom after a third straight defeat, with no points.
Belgium captain De Bruyne opened the scoring inside 10 minutes. The 35-year-old Napoli midfielder slipped beyond a defender near the edge of the box before placing a low finish into the bottom-left corner.
Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, could not establish control despite starting Arda Guler and Baris Alper Yilmaz. Belgium’s defensive shape kept the visitors away from clear openings throughout the contest.
De Bruyne then delivered the standout moment on the hour. His long-range effort flew into the top corner to double Belgium’s advantage and take him to 201 goals across his career.
The second strike also moved De Bruyne onto 40 international goals for Belgium. His command of the match in Liège underlined his continued importance for club and country.
Lukaku made the result safe 15 minutes later. Introduced from the substitutes’ bench, the striker met a cross from the right and finished clinically to make it 3-0.
The defeat leaves Turkey facing an urgent fight to stay in the Nations League’s top division. They have now lost all three group fixtures, with defensive problems and their difficulty in containing elite creators again exposed.
Belgium’s six points leave them one behind group leaders France, who drew with Italy. Italy are third on four points, keeping the section tight heading into the next round of fixtures.
Montella now needs a response quickly as Turkey attempt to halt their losing run. Belgium, meanwhile, have a platform to chase France at the top of the group.
