Lukaku scores 2 as group leader Belgium wins 2-1 in Iceland

By: The Associated Press Posted: 5:31 PM CDT Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 Last Modified: 5:43 PM CDT Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020

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REYKJAVIK, Iceland - Striker Romelu Lukaku scored both goals to give Belgium a 2-1 win at Iceland on Wednesday, taking his international tally to 55 goals and moving his team back atop its Nations League group.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/10/2020 (2182 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland – Striker Romelu Lukaku scored both goals to give Belgium a 2-1 win at Iceland on Wednesday, taking his international tally to 55 goals and moving his team back atop its Nations League group.

Having lost 2-1 to England on Sunday, Belgium profited from England’s 1-0 home loss to Denmark to regain control of Group 2 in League A after four of the six qualifying games.

Belgium has nine points and is two points ahead of Denmark and England. The Danes are second on goal difference.

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku falls but no foul was given during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Iceland and Belgium at the Laugardalsvollur stadium in Reykjavik, Iceland, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Brynjar Gunnarsson)

In the absence of Eden Hazard, and with the captain’s armband on, Lukaku is coming into his own in a leadership role.

The goals are stacking up, too.

Having also scored against England, his 55 goals have come from only 87 games for his country.

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side was not just missing Real Madrid’s Hazard but also the creative passing and precise shooting of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne

But Lukaku stepped up after nine minutes, receiving the ball with his back to goal and turning to shoot past goalkeeper Runar Runarsson.

Iceland equalized just eight minutes later.

Midfielder Runar Mar Sigurjonsson’s astute pass sent veteran right back Birker Sævarsson through and he beat goalie Simon Mignolet with a low shot as Belgium’s defence was caught napping.