The Russian national team lost their first match at the UEFA Euro 2020 football championship. The match against Belgium, who are at the top of the world rankings, ended in a shutout — 0:3.
It’s not accurate to say that the Belgian players totally dominated the field. Still, by halftime, the Belgians led the score without Kevin De Bruyne. Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a major defensive error by Andrei Semenov. Following a cross from the flank, the ball went between the player’s legs and straight to the Belgian forward’s foot, who calmly slotted it into the far corner.
On the 34th minute, the Russian goal, guarded by Anton Shunin, was breached for the second time. After a cross into the box, the goalkeeper punched the ball into the center of the penalty area, where Thomas Meunier was quickest to react. He calmly directed the ball into the near corner, doubling the advantage for the nominal home side.
Romelu Lukaku put the final nail in the coffin in the 88th minute. Receiving a pass from midfield, he shook off the defender and calmly shot into the near corner. Anton Shunin once again failed to save his team, and the final score flashed on the board — 3:0.
The Russian national team was highly unconvincing in front of the opponent’s goal. Stanislav Cherchesov’s players managed only 5 shots, with just one on target. That was a header that went straight into the hands of Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
As a result, Belgium secured their first victory and climbed to the top of Group B, which also includes Finland and Denmark. They played their first matches too, with Finland earning a narrow win.
