Belgium has 'extreme potential' at Euros, says Tedesco

COLOGNE, Germany — Domenico Tedesco claimed Belgium has "extreme potential" at Euro 2024, after kick-starting its campaign with a crucial 2-0 win against Romania on Saturday.

Tedesco's side would have been on the brink of elimination if it had lost in Cologne, but Youri Tielemans settled its nerves with a goal after just 73 seconds.

Kevin De Bruyne's late strike wrapped up Belgium's first win in Group E, after it suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Slovakia in its opener.

Having crashed out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, and failing to get past the quarterfinals at the last two Euros, many pundits had written-off Belgium's "golden generation".

But Tedesco, whose team faces Ukraine in its decisive group match on June 26, is confident it can make a big impact in Germany if it qualifies for the knockout stage.

"We have an extreme amount of potential. Let's see, the last game will be difficult," he said.

"We are very relieved we won. It was very important to get the three points. For the rest of the tournament, we are released (from the pressure) and happy."

For Belgium to thrive in the latter stages, Tedesco acknowledged it needs to develop a killer instinct.

It missed a host of chances against Romania after similar profligacy in the Slovakia loss, while Romelu Lukaku has now had three goals disallowed by VAR in the first two matches.

"The difference is, we scored two goals and, in the first game, we didn't score any. Of course we like the second game more," Tedesco said.

"Romania left more space than Slovakia did. Of course we missed one or two chances. It would be better if we could kill the game off earlier.

"The mentality was good. It's a pity when you see the quality of chances we created. But, it's not easy against Romania."

Romania boss Edward Iordanescu conceded that his team had been outclassed, but he rued missed chances that could have rattled Belgium.

"You saw a team with lots of quality. They have speed, they have explosion and they have power. That is why I said not to be fooled by the first game," he said.

"It is not a mistake that they are third in the world. They are a candidate to win the trophy.

"The game did not start well for us, but we fought very hard. With a bit of luck, we could have got a point."

Romania, who beat Ukraine 3-0 in its opening game, is still in contention to reach the last 16 at the Euros for the first time in 24 years.

Iordanescu is confident they will rise to the occasion against Slovakia in its final group game.

"Now is the moment of truth. Let's see how we deal with difficulties. We need solidarity and unity," he said.

"We are still top of the group. We have what it takes to write history for Romania."

AFP