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Belgium vs Romania - Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates as Domenico Tedesco's Red Devils battle to keep their last-16 hopes alive after defeat in their first match

5 months ago 35

By Harry Bamforth and James Cohen

Published: 18:00 BST, 22 June 2024 | Updated: 19:55 BST, 22 June 2024

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Here come the teams!

The party is about to start in Cologne!

The stadium is filled with colour as the sun sets - it really is golden hour in more ways than one.

It really is a gorgeous setting made even better as the national anthems begin.

In the battle of the anthems, Belgium take this one (it's a bop).

Lukaku vs Dragusin

This is the key match-up, in my eyes anyway.

Romelu Lukaku had an afternoon to forget against Slovakia. Two disallowed goals and a bucketful of missed chances, it wasn't his day.

This evening won't get much easier for the Belgium striker, he is up against Radu Dragusin, the rock at the centre of Romania's defence.

The Tottenham defender impressed against Ukraine, contributing to the clean sheet with some big tackles.

I'm looking forward to seeing the pair battling it out tonight.

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group E - Belgium v Romania - Cologne Stadium, Cologne, Germany - June 22, 2024 Belgium's Romelu Lukaku during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock (14548045u) Radu Dragusin of Romania warms up ahead of the match Belgium v Romania, UEFA European Championship 2024, Group E, Football, Cologne Stadium, Cologne, Germany, 22 Jun 2024

'Plenty of Belgium supporters in now'

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Cologne:

Plenty of Belgium supporters in now too including a woman with a hat shaped like a whole wheel of cheese with a cow on top…

A Belgium's supporter poses for pictures as they arrive before the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Belgium and Romania at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

 Belgium fans before the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

 Fans of Belgium pose for a photo prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Harriet Lander - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Kick-off closing in

Not long to go...

The countdown to kick-off is nearly over, both sets of players are just finishing their warm-ups.

In this heat, surely you don't need one. PE teachers all around the country will be screaming at this blog now I said that.

I used to hate them, but I do recognise their importance.

 Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium warms up with teammates prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group E - Belgium v Romania - Cologne Stadium, Cologne, Germany - June 22, 2024 Romania's Florinel Teodor Coman and teammates during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group E - Belgium v Romania - Cologne Stadium, Cologne, Germany - June 22, 2024 Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

'Romania fans here in big numbers'

Matt Barlow, Mail Sport, in Cologne:

Most of the noise here in Cologne is being made by the Romanian supporters. They are here in big numbers and positive mood after starting the campaign with a 3-0 win. The Belgians have not had to travel far.
We are only about 200km from the border but they are a little more anxious after defeat in the opener against Slovakia. Four changes by Domenico Tedesco for this one. Among them a recall for Jan Vertonghen now 37 years old and winning cap number 155.

 Fans of Romania show their support as they wave a flag prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Supporters of Romania celebrate before a Group E match between Belgium and Romania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Cologne, Germany, Saturday, June 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Crucial night in Cologne

Let's not sugarcoat it, tonight is a must-win game for Belgium.

many of us were shocked when they were beaten by a lowly-ranked Slovakia, and now they have to make sure they don't fall to the same fate today.

It feels like they always flatter to deceive in big tournaments, but they have to change that today.

If they lose today, they go crashing out of the group stages. Draw, and their hopes of qualification hang by a thread.

Belgium just have to win, don't they?

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group E - Belgium v Slovakia - Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt, Germany - June 17, 2024 Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and teammates huddle after the match REUTERS/Heiko Becker

Entering proceedings...

You're making me blush, James. Very kind of you!

It's true, you are stuck with me for the remainder of the evening, I hope that's ok.

Don't worry, we will be having input from Mail Sport's Matt Barlow as well, so it won't be all me.

Either way, this is an enticing tie, and I for one can not wait to cover it!

Live Blog Substitution

That's all from me but don't go anywhere as I'm now handing over the live blog to the ever reliable Harry Bamforth now.

He'll be keeping you up to date throughout the match and providing some interesting excerpts from our reporters at the stadium.

Soaking in the atmosphere in Cologne...

As thousands of fans begin to pack out tonight's stadium, the players have made their way out onto the pitch to get prepared.

Tensions will be high and - with Belgium making four changes in total - you wonder who will be able to hold their nerve in this crucial tie.

Belgium's supporters pose for pictures before the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Belgium and Romania at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Belgium's forward #20 Lois Openda walks on the pitch before the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Belgium and Romania at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Belgium's midfielder #18 Orel Mangala (L) and Belgium's forward #14 Dodi Lukebakio walk on the pitch before the start of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group E football match between Belgium and Romania at the Cologne Stadium in Cologne on June 22, 2024. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

ROMANIA TEAM NEWS

Just one change for Eduard Iordanescu's side for this clash as Valentin Mihaila comes into the starting line-up instead of Florinel Coman.

After a 3-0 victory over Ukraine in their opening match, Romania will be hoping to produce more of the same at the Cologne Stadium.

Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin is certainly one to watch after his stellar performance last time out.

BELGIUM TEAM NEWS

Domenico Tedesco has made wholesale changes from the Belgium side that fell to a 1-0 defeat in their opening match.

The likes of Jan Vertonghen, Youri Tielemans, Dodi Lukebakio and Arthur Teatre have all been brought into the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Zeno Debast, Yannick Carrasco, Orel Mangala and Leandro Trossard have all been dropped to the bench.

Belgium are in the building!

The Red Devils have arrived ahead of their crucial Group E clash.

Man City star De Bruyne looks laser-focused as he made his way of the team coach in their sleek burgundy tracksuits.

Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard will also be hoping to make an impact for Belgium, who could be knocked out of Euro 2024 tonight.

 Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 Leandro Trossard of Belgium arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Could this be De Bruyne's last dance for Belgium?

Belgium found themselves in must-not-lose territory with alarming speed and accuracy. Defeat against Slovakia giving rise to the fear a woeful World Cup might bleed into Euro 2024, and eyes turning to Kevin De Bruyne to solve the problem.

Super Kev will ride to the rescue they hope, but things are seldom straightforward these days for one of the finest players of this century.

He is in good spirits, according to those close to the Belgian camp. This is certainly not Sulky Kev, who grumbled through the tournament in Qatar, where it all fell apart for Roberto Martinez with the ill-fated last stand of a Golden Generation.

Click below to read more...

MATT BARLOW: Super Kev will ride to the rescue they hope, but things are seldom straightforward these days for one of the finest players of this century.

Fans are out in full force!

We're still over an hour and half away from kick-off in Cologne but that doesn't matter to the thousands of fans from both nations.

Supporters from Romania and Belgium have already been spotted enjoying the festivities prior to their crucial group stage clash.

One Belgium fan in particular has taken the 'Red Devils' title quite literally after painting his body and hair in the national team colours.

 Fans of Romania pose for a photo whilst wearing face paint in the colours of the national flag prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Charles McQuillan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

 A fan of Belgium poses for a photo whilst wearing body paint in the colours of the national flag prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

How Romania have become Euro 2024's surprise package...

Romania established themselves as Euro 2024's surprise package after Monday's win over Ukraine, and they will hope to pile more misery on to struggling Group F favourites Belgium when the pair face off on Saturday.

Showing fans they are a team worth keeping an eye on after hammering Ukraine 3-0 in Munich, the Romanians are on the verge of the knockouts and on the hunt for another big scalp in Cologne against an out-of-sorts Belgium side, who were beaten 1-0 by Slovakia in their opening match of the tournament.

Not many people expected the Tricolorii to make it out of a group which consists of Belgium and Ukraine. These sides can field Premier League megastars from Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Click below to read more...

Not many people expected Romania to make it out of a group which consists of Belgium and Ukraine. These sides field Premier League megastars from Kevin De Bruyne to Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Good afternoon!

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport's live coverage of today's third and final match, as Belgium and Romania prepare to go toe-to-toe in Group E.

It's a crucial match for Domenico Tedesco's side after their 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in their opener, which has left them bottom of the group as it stands.

If they have any hope of qualifying for the last-16, they will need to pick up all three points at the Cologne Stadium this evening.

We'll have team news, updates and more ahead of kick-off... so don't go anywhere!

 Euro 2024 with UEFA and FIFA branding inside the stadium before the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Belgium and Romania at Cologne Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Cologne, Germany.(Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)

Key Updates

  • Belgium are in the building!

  • Fans are out in full force!

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