Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Lucky goal sends Belgium top of group
Yannick Carrasco’s goal saw Belgium beat Azerbaijan 1-0, overcoming a poor pitch and soaring temperatures to register the victory.
Published : Sep 09, 2023 22:29 IST , Baku - 1 MIN READ
Belgium’s Yannick Carrasco celebrates scoring its first goal with teammates in the Euro 2024 Qualifier against Azerbaijan. | Photo Credit: AZIZ KARIMOV/ REUTERS
Yannick Carrasco scored a fortuitous goal as injury-hit Belgium won 1-0 in Azerbaijan on Saturday and went top of European Championship qualifying Group F, overcoming a poor pitch and soaring temperatures to register the victory.
The Belgians moved above Austria on goal difference with 10 points from four matches.
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Belgium looked to go on the attack from the start with Leandro Trossard hitting the post after a neat pass from Romelu Lukaku, playing despite only 20 minutes of club football this season, but ended up with few opportunities in a listless first- half performance.
It did, however, make the breakthrough in the 38th minute with a lucky goal as Johan Bakayoko’s long-range shot struck the unaware Carrasco, forcing the ball to change direction and flummox the home goalkeeper.
Belgium, without first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne because of long-term injuries, showed late resolve after making changes with Manchester City’s new signing Jeremy Doku going close to adding a second.