Belgium 1-1 Austria: Romelu Lukaku stunner rescues draw for hosts against unbeaten Austrians in Euro 2024 qualifying

Belgium struck back to earn a 1-1 draw with Austria in Brussels, leaving the visitors top of Group F in Euro 2024 qualification and still unbeaten. Ralf Rangnick's side conceded two free kicks inside the first minute as they made a point of pressing hyper-aggressively from the off. Their aggression caught the hosts off guard and resulted in multiple turnovers in dangerous positions.

Ad Belgium's wingers — Dodi Lukebakio and Jeremy Doku — were making hay down either flank but could not connect with centre forward Romelu Lukaku. FriendliesDe Bruyne and Lukaku on target as Belgium edge out Germany in five-goal thriller28/03/2023 AT 21:32 The breakthrough came somewhat against the run of play in the 21st minute when Michael Gregoritsch volleyed a long corner towards goal. Thibaut Courtois probably had it covered, but Orel Mangala stuck out a leg and deflected the shot into the bottom corner.

Belgium continued to dominate the ball and field position, but Austria’s competent defending kept them at arm’s length. The second half began with wave after wave of Belgian attacks, but the final pass continued to elude the hosts. Just before the hour, Lukaku unleashed a missile of a shot from just outside the area.

It flashed wide, but the warning had been sent. Austria failed to heed it. Three minutes later, Lukebakio zipped a pass into Lukaku’s feet and the Belgian captain rocketed his shot into the bottom corner to equalise.

After the goal, the game became stretched. Both sides had chances to win it, notably Youri Tielemans who saw a brilliant strike from outside the box cannon back off the underside of the bar in stoppage time, but neither could quite get over the line. Belgium continued pressing for a winner, while the Austrians