Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 on Friday evening in the third round of the UEFA Nations League group stage. Kevin De Bruyne was the star, and this Belgium vs Turkey result sends a loud message to the rest of League A.
Early De Bruyne Magic
Belgium did not wait around. De Bruyne opened the scoring after 10 minutes, playing a one-two with Dodi Lukébakio before striking from near the edge of the box. The home crowd at Stade Maurice Dufrasne had barely settled before their talisman had delivered.
Lukébakio then hit the woodwork twice, so the scoreline could easily have been bigger. Belgium were sharp, hungry, and a step ahead.
Turkey Show Flashes, But No Finish
Turkey were not without threats. Arda Güler was a constant danger with his quick footwork, but his side did not test goalkeeper Senne Lammens enough. Güler created a match-high five chances, yet none went in. That wasteful finishing has been a recurring problem for Turkey.
The Second-Half Thunderbolt
Just after the break, De Bruyne struck again. He curled home another goal with half an hour to play. It was a long-range effort that left Turkey’s defence with no answer.
The two goals were the 200th and 201st of his career, and he did it at age 35. “I feel I can still contribute. I am enjoying myself, and that is the main thing,” he said afterward.
Lukaku Seals the Win
Romelu Lukaku scored the third in the 76th minute. He came off the bench and converted from a low cross by Charles De Ketelaere. Belgium also kept a clean sheet despite late pressure from Turkey.
What the Coaches Said
Belgium coach Mark van Bommel praised De Bruyne’s drive and positive energy, saying he always wants to play. The win was also Van Bommel’s first home victory as Belgium head coach.
On the other side, Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella defended his players and called it a balanced match, noting that small mistakes are punished heavily at this level.
Nations League Table Impact
The result changes the picture in Group A1. Turkey are bottom without a point after three straight defeats, having already lost to France and Italy, while Belgium moved up to six points. Turkey now face a real fight to avoid relegation, and every remaining game feels like a must-win.
Belgium, meanwhile, sit right behind leaders France and keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Final Word
This UEFA Nations League clash was a reminder that class is permanent. De Bruyne turned a tricky fixture into a statement night, Lukaku added the finishing touch, and Belgium left Liège with a clean sheet and three big points.
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