Three days after a convincing performance against Bosnia in Brussels, Belgium visited Cyprus, one of the last three stops to secure a place in France and the Euro 2016.
On-form Kevin De Bruyne stroke early at the 7′ minute but his goal was rightly called of as offside. Belgium was stepping up their game by the minute, coming closer to a goal at the 18′ minute, as Naingollan played the 1-2 with De Bruyne but Giorgallides said no to Roma’s midfielder.
Passive attitude was not working for the Cypriots who made their first visits to Courtois posts twice in two minutes, creating some great chances to open the score first, but Chelsea’s keeper positioned himself perfectly keeping the clean sheet.
Another impressive one-two between Benteke and De Bruyne placed the last in front of Giorgallides who once again denied the goal to Belgium in what was the last chance for the first half.
Origi replaced Benteke at half-time in an effort from Mark Wilmots to freshen up his attack. Cyprus defending was outstanding blocking all Belgium weapons. Until Hazard.
The Belgian attacker received the pass from freshly-introduced Dries Mertens (replaced
Fellaini) and easily gave the lead to the Red Devils with a close range shot.
Nothing changed in the remaining ten minutes and Belgium is closer to next summer’s Euro 2016 with two matches left against Andorra and Israel, on 10th and 13th October respectively.
Group B standings
1. Wales 18
2. Belgium 17
3. Israel 13
4. Bosnia 11
5. Cyprus 9
6. Andorra 0
