Liège, Oct 02 (V7N)- Kevin De Bruyne scored twice as Belgium defeated Türkiye 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, strengthening their position in Group A1.
De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 10th minute at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium after working his way into the box and finishing low into the corner.
Türkiye responded with attacking pressure and created opportunities, with Arda Güler among the players posing a threat. Belgium, however, maintained their lead through the first half.
Dodi Lukébakio came close to extending Belgium’s advantage before halftime, hitting the woodwork. He struck the post again early in the second half.
De Bruyne doubled Belgium’s lead in the 59th minute with a long-range effort, giving the hosts a two-goal advantage.
Romelu Lukaku then completed the scoring in the 76th minute after coming on as a substitute. He finished from close range to make it 3-0.
The victory moved Belgium to six points from three matches in Group A1. France remained top with seven points after drawing 1-1 with Italy, while Italy had four points and Türkiye remained without a point.
De Bruyne was later booked in the closing stages and will miss Belgium’s next Nations League match against France through suspension after accumulating yellow cards in successive matches.
Türkiye suffered its third consecutive defeat in the group and will face Italy in its next match on October 5.
END/SMA/AJ
