Romelu Lukaku Double Puts Belgium Past Scotland in 2020 Euro Qualifier

Belgium maintained their perfect record in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying as they beat Scotland 3-0 in Group I on Tuesday at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. 

Two goals from Romelu Lukaku and a brilliant late strike from Kevin De Bruyne secured the fourth win from four matches in the campaign for the world's No. 1-ranked side. The Red Devils maintained their spot at the top of the pool.

Scotland, meanwhile, remain in fourth behind Kazakhstan and Russia, and they will rue some missed chances after a decent performance. 

Scotland were the first side to threaten the goal on Tuesday when Oliver Burke dragged an effort just wide in the ninth minute.

Had it been more accurate, it could well have changed the course of the night.

As it was, Belgium slowly built into the game and started to dominate, with De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard all fashioning efforts in the first half.

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Scotland were indebted to goalkeeper David Marshall for some fine saves and looked to be heading for half-time with honours even.

However, Lukaku, who had not been at his best, popped up in first-half stoppage time to head home Hazard's cross from six yards.

It was a killer blow for the Scots, who only continued to sit deep and defend when they came out for the second half.

Belgium continued to besiege the opposition goal, and De Bruyne forced another save from Marshall before Lukaku got his second just before the hour.

Marshall could only push another effort from De Bruyne back into the box, and the Manchester United forward was on hand to poke home yet another goal for the Red Devils:

That effectively sealed the victory for the hosts.

Scotland finally forced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois 11 minutes from time when Ryan Fraser curled a shot on target from 16 yards.

Fraser, Scott McKenna and James Forrest then made a hash of a great break, failing to show anything like the level of clinical finishing needed to challenge a side of Belgium's quality.

And De Bruyne eventually added sheen to the result with a brilliant side-footed finish into the corner from 20 yards in stoppage time. 

What's Next?

Belgium and Scotland are both back in Euro 2020 qualifying action on September 6 when they face San Marino and Russia, respectively.