Belgium v Romania: Tielemans and De Bruyne strike in crucial victory at Euro 2024

Youri Tielemans kickstarted Belgium's Euro 2024 campaign as the Aston Villa midfielder's goal after just 73 seconds inspired a crucial 2-0 win against Romania on Saturday.

Domenico Tedesco's side would have been facing elimination if they had suffered a second successive Group E defeat having been upset by Slovakia in their opening game.

But Tielemans' second-minute strike in Cologne eased fears of yet another major tournament flop from star-studded Belgium. What followed afterwards was a much-improved display against a dangerous Romanian side.

Kevin De Bruyne, who was impressive throughout, wrapped up the points in the closing stages to leave all four teams in the group level on three points.

The stage is set for a dramatic final round of fixtures in the battle to reach the last 16. Belgium face Ukraine, and Romania play Slovakia on June 26.

With 45 places separating the two nations in Fifa's rankings, third-placed Belgium's 1-0 loss to Slovakia on Monday was the biggest upset in European Championship history.

Romania, ranked in 47th, competed gamely as they chased their own shock, but this time Belgium's extra class proved decisive.

Having exited at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and lost in the quarter-finals of the last two Euros, Belgium have given themselves fresh hope of finally delivering on their vast potential.

Romania had powered to an impressive 3-0 win against Ukraine on Monday - their first victory in a major tournament since beating England at Euro 2000.

Belgium get their first points in Group E