Player Ratings: Belgium vs Romania

Thibaut Courtois (9.5)

Without him, Romania would have equalized, that’s for sure. A save in the first half, a one-on-one won in the second: the complete arsenal of a goalkeeper who reassures in a major tournament. And behind? An assist for KDB’s breakaway goal. Thibaut who?

Loïc Theate (6)

A sober and effective return to the starting XI. With almost no attacking input, he left the field clear for Doku and covered his overlaps. His injury-enforced exit is perhaps another blow.

Jan Vertonghen (7)

Sometimes caught in his back in the second half, he compensated with his positioning and experience. His long balls were also a weapon on occasion, unlike Debast in this position.

Wout Faes (8)

Very impressive in his impact and audacity, he is for sure the Devil who fights the most and we are not far from thinking that he plays like a captain. Then, of course, there is always that “Wout Faes moment”, when he misses a pass or gets caught in his back… but it didn’t have any consequences this time.

Timothy Castagne (6)

His understanding with Lukebakio is evident, and he made multiple calls and interesting combinations. Less good in his defensive work today, as in the final touch.

Amadou Onana (7.5)

Much more comfortable in this role of omnipresent sentinel, almost alone against a Romanian midfield that was admittedly less inspired than Lobotka. Beautiful openings, no unnecessary risk-taking: a boss.

Youri Tielemans (8)

Tielemans at No. 8 for the Devils, it’s never been our cup of tea… but today, he was almost playing as a second 10 alongside KDB, and that works. He unlocked the Devils’ Euro with a strike, as we had announced, and also distilled some brilliant openings. Finally, he’s getting a run of games for the national team!

Kevin De Bruyne (8.5)

And if this was his moment? A few nonchalant runs, an extraordinary vision of the game, an assist disallowed for Lukaku’s offside and the 2-0 that relieved his team. At the expected level.

Jérémy Doku (7)

A real thorn in the side, who delivered a Homeric duel with Andrei Ratiu. Did he win it 100%? Not necessarily, but his insane dribbles caused panic. Pity that no cross found its target…

Romelu Lukaku (6.5)

We’re starting to think it’s not his Euro. But if it’s like ketchup, Ukraine can tremble, because Lukaku has scored a third goal disallowed in this tournament. After the pivot assist, he then had too much waste in his combinations.

Dodi Lukebakio (7)

A semi-surprise starter, he reminded us why Tedesco liked him so much. Very intelligent in his runs, very precise in his ball control, he only lacked the final touch. Surprisingly taken off early in the second half.