De Bruyne double inspires Belgium to commanding win over Turkey
Kevin De Bruyne scored two outstanding goals as Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0, restoring momentum to their UEFA Nations League campaign and securing a second victory in three matches under Mark van Bommel.
Substitute Romelu Lukaku completed the scoring, while Turkey remained without a point in their first League A campaign despite creating several opportunities.
Determined to avoid a repeat of their damaging first-half display against Italy, the visitors began with greater attacking intent. However, that approach also left space for Belgium to exploit.
Match highlight
De Bruyne took full advantage, advancing through midfield and exchanging passes with Dodi Lukebakio. Receiving the return ball, he nutmegged Abdulkerim Bardakci before driving an excellent finish inside the near post from the edge of the penalty area.
Turkey continued to attack, with Arda Guler at the centre of their most promising moves. His set-piece deliveries created headed opportunities for Bardakci and Merih Demiral, while his own curling shot tested Senne Lammens.
Belgium remained dangerous on the counter. Ugurcan Cakir denied Hans Vanaken’s inventive backheel and then kept out a powerful Lukebakio effort, diverting it against the near post.
The visitors’ clearest chance before the interval fell to Demiral, who fired over at the far post with much of the goal exposed.
The open pattern continued after the restart. Ferdi Kadioglu shot wide for Turkey, while Lukebakio again struck the near post as Belgium searched for breathing space.
De Bruyne eventually supplied it with another exceptional finish. Youri Tielemans dispossessed Yunus Akgun and found his midfield partner outside the penalty area. De Bruyne curled a precise shot into the top corner, leaving Cakir unable to prevent Belgium from doubling their advantage.
Turkey continued to seek a response, but Lukaku put the result beyond doubt. Charles De Ketelaere took a free-kick quickly and delivered into the six-yard area, where the substitute was waiting to finish and make it 3-0.
The main setback for Belgium came through yellow cards for De Bruyne and Tielemans, which rule both midfielders out of Monday’s meeting with France.
Their absence will complicate Van Bommel’s preparations, but the coach can take encouragement from another convincing result following the opening victory over Italy.
For Vincenzo Montella, Turkey’s inability to convert promising passages into goals remains costly. Three defeats leave them facing a difficult position in the group, with this performance again offering chances but no reward.
Belgium, meanwhile, responded emphatically to their loss against France, with De Bruyne’s finishing providing the decisive quality.
