Romelu Lukaku's stunning 96th-minute goal marked his first international appearance in over a year for Belgium in a 2-0 win over Croatia in a World Cup friendly on Tuesday in Rijeka. The match was a part of the Red Devils' preparation for the tournament, with Belgium's 33-year-old captain, Lukaku, returning from a six-month injury layoff.
Lukaku missed the Red Devils' penultimate match before their tournament opener against Egypt on June 15 due to a hip niggle that also limited his playing time for his club Napoli this season to just 64 minutes. His injury kept him sidelined for an extended period, and it remains to be seen how well he'll maintain his form going forward.
The Belgium side was 1-0 up at the break thanks to an effort from Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans after 38 minutes. Croatia, meanwhile, had a significant chance to equalize just before the interval when captain Luka Modric, who was wearing a mask due to injury, took a shot. Osasuna striker Ante Budimir also hit the bar near the hour mark, showcasing the host's attacking prowess.
Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, were hosting Slovenia on Sunday and are set to begin their World Cup campaign against England on June 17. Meanwhile, Lukaku's winning goal marked a memorable return for the 33-year-old, who has been struggling with injuries and form issues at his club Napoli this season.
The Belgium team will host Tunisia on Saturday, their final warm-up encounter before the World Cup. Lukaku's impressive display and goal will undoubtedly give his teammates a boost ahead of their tournament opener against Egypt on June 15.
Key Facts
• Lukaku has played just 64 minutes for Napoli this season due to a hip niggle. • He scored his 90th international goal in his first appearance in over a year for Belgium. • Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, are set to begin their World Cup campaign against England on June 17. • Belgium's team will host Tunisia on Saturday, their final warm-up encounter before the World Cup. • Lukaku's return is a significant boost to the team ahead of their tournament opener against Egypt on June 15.
Lukaku's return to international football sent shockwaves across the football world, with fans taking to social media to congratulate the 33-year-old on his impressive display and goal. One fan tweeted, "What a return for Lukaku! He's back to his best!" Lukaku himself expressed his joy in a post-match interview, saying, "It's a great feeling to be back on the pitch and scoring goals for my country. I'm just happy to be back and contribute to the team's success."
Fans are now optimistic about Belgium's chances in the World Cup, citing Lukaku's return as a great sign. "This is a great sign for us ahead of the tournament," said one fan. "We've got the talent and the experience to go far in the competition." With Lukaku back to his best and the team's momentum building, they will look to continue their winning form ahead of their tournament opener against Egypt on June 15.