Kevin De Bruyne scored twice and Romelu Lukaku added a late goal as Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday evening at Stade Sclessin in Liège. Head coach Mark van Bommel’s side secured six points in their group following the victory, managing an open and high-tempo match before a crucial upcoming fixture against France.
De Bruyne Inspires Attack as Belgium Secures Victory at Sclessin
Belgium started with high energy on home soil despite facing a chorus of whistles from travelling supporters. Mika Godts created early pressure and went down inside the penalty area in the seventh minute, though referee Rohit Saggi waved away penalty appeals. The deadlock broke in the 10th minute when Kevin De Bruyne played a neat one-two with Dodi Lukebakio, nutmegged a Turkish defender, and finished calmly to put the hosts ahead 1-0.
Turkey responded immediately through Arda Güler, who tested Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens with multiple long-range efforts. Both teams traded scoring chances as the match maintained a rapid pace. Maxim De Cuyper had a shot blocked, while Charles De Ketelaere fired wide and Hans Vanaken nearly converted a low cross from De Bruyne with a backheel that visiting goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır managed to save. Lukebakio also struck the goalpost before halftime. Just before the interval, Turkey squandered a golden opportunity when an unmarked Merih Demiral missed an empty net from close range at the back post.
Midfield Balance Questions Arise Despite a Three-Goal Margin
While the scoreboard favoured the hosts, analysts pointed out tactical vulnerabilities in the setup. According to Sporza reporting, football commentator Peter Vandenbempt observed that the midfield trio of Hans Vanaken, Kevin De Bruyne, and Youri Tielemans left excessive space for the opposition. Vandenbempt noted that this combination had previously struggled against Senegal and repeated similar defensive gaps under Van Bommel’s high-pressing philosophy, suggesting that deploying a player like Romeo Lavia provides different defensive stability.
Despite those structural concerns, the second half brought further attacking success. De Bruyne doubled the lead on the hour mark, curling a brilliant shot into the top corner from outside the box to make it 2-0. Turkey dominated stretches of possession after the break and created numerous half-chances, but Lammens handled the danger without major difficulty. In the 75th minute, substitute Romelu Lukaku rounded off the scoring by converting a pass from De Ketelaere to secure the 3-0 final scoreline.
Vandenbempt praised De Bruyne’s continued commitment to the national team under Van Bommel, noting that the midfielder appears visibly happier than during past qualifying cycles.
Upcoming Group Fixture Against France Loops Into View
The victory lifts Belgium to six points in their Nations League group, building on an earlier win over Italy and a narrow home defeat to France. The squad now turns its attention to Monday’s fourth fixture of the international break, where they travel to face France away from home without the suspended Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Match
What was the final score of the Belgium versus Turkey Nations League match?
Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0 at Stade Sclessin in Liège, with goals from Kevin De Bruyne (two) and Romelu Lukaku.
Who is the current head coach of the Belgian national team?
Mark van Bommel leads the squad as head coach, overseeing this autumn international window which includes victories over Italy and Turkey alongside a narrow defeat to France.
Who will Belgium play next in the Nations League?
Belgium travels to play France on Monday for their fourth match of the current interland period, missing the suspended Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans.
Where was the match against Turkey played?
The fixture took place at Stade Sclessin, the home stadium of Standard Liège, on Friday evening.
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