Lukaku hits four for Belgium in Euro 2024 qualifier

The Belgian national team showcased an impressive performance in their Euro 2024 qualifying match, securing a commanding 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan in Brussels on Sunday. Striker Romelu Lukaku stole the spotlight, netting an extraordinary four goals in the first half, leading Belgium to a comfortable win.

The match had an unusual start with the Swedish national anthem mistakenly played instead of Azerbaijan’s. However, Belgium quickly regrouped, capitalizing on an early red card to Azerbaijani player Eddy Israfilov, scoring four goals within 37 minutes. Lukaku completed a hat trick, and Leandro Trossard added a fifth goal in the latter part of the second half.

This victory solidifies Belgium’s position at the top of Euro 2024 qualifying Group F with an undefeated record under manager Domenico Tedesco. The team has shown a resurgence in confidence following a disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Lukaku displayed sharpness and clinical finishing, increasing his international goal tally to 83.

Azerbaijan struggled to contain Belgium’s passing, movement, and physicality upfront, finishing fourth in the group with only seven points from eight matches.

Despite resting some regular starters, Belgium’s remaining squad demonstrated superior quality against Azerbaijan. Lukaku’s four goals set a new record for the most goals in a single Euro qualifying campaign. After this dominant performance, Belgium appears poised to contend for the Euro 2024 title.