Euro 2020: Clinical Belgium put Finland on brink of exit with 2-0 win
Updated On: 22 June, 2021 07:27 AM IST | Saint Petersburg | AFP
Finland knew they would only need a point to go through if the Danes won, but despite holding off Belgium for more than 70 minutes, they couldn`t keep it up in the Saint Petersburg heat. "There were no spaces, it was a little bit difficult," De Bruyne said.
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Belgium`s forward Romelu Lukaku (L) celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group B football match between Finland and Belgium at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Pic/AFP
Belgium scored two late goals to see off a valiant Finland 2-0 on Monday, pushing their opponents to the brink of a group-stage exit from Euro 2020 and sending Denmark through to the last 16. Finnish goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky`s 74th-minute own goal and Romelu Lukaku`s third strike of the tournament ensured Roberto Martinez`s Belgium finished top of Group B. The world`s number-one-ranked side will face a third-placed team in the next round on Sunday in Seville.
"We`re making good progress and we`ll be ready," Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne told RTBF. Finland finish third in the group, but appear unlikely to be one of the four best third-placed teams. "We received tremendous support from the Finns," said Finland coach Markku Kanerva. "They inspired us. We could not achieve our goal of taking at least one point. We are obviously disappointed. I am proud of my team." The other game saw Denmark thrash Russia 4-1 in Copenhagen to snatch second place and book a ticket to the last 16. Finland knew they would only need a point to go through if the Danes won, but despite holding off Belgium for more than 70 minutes, they couldn`t keep it up in the Saint Petersburg heat. "There were no spaces, it was a little bit difficult," De Bruyne said.
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