Get Well, Eriksen
My heart is with Christian Eriksen, his family, friends, Denmark and the whole of the footballing world. Those 10-15 minutes were emotionally traumatic for anyone with a conscience. It just shows how quickly life can change in a flip second. Wishing him speedy recovery.
It has been a very long time since the Belgian national team paraded such an array of stars. This is indeed the Golden Generation and it would be very unfortunate if this generation ends without a major trophy.
In the final match of the day on Saturday, Belgium faced off with Russia and rushed over them with three well-taken goals.
A Thomas Meunier strike sandwiched between a Romelu Lukaku brace was more than enough to see the Reds start their campaign in grand style, as the Golden Generation seek their first major trophy.
It was Lukaku who struck as early as the 10th minute to give Belgium the lead, before Meunier scored the second from a rebound just over the half-hour mark.
Lukaku would wrap up proceedings with his second of the night in the 88th minute, this time, Meunier the provider.
These are three things we learnt.1 They said he was overweight and with poor first touch
Much criticized and largely under-appreciated, Romelu Lukaku was almost booted out of Manchester United for being overweight and accused of having a poor first touch.
The Belgium international moved on to Inter Milan and guided them to their first league title in 10 years in the just concluded season, scoring 24 times in 36 league appearances.
Taking this form into the Euros, the former Everton man is now the tournament's leading goalscorer with two goals in one match and could well go ahead to win the tournament's golden boot.
The big striker has indeed proven all critics wrong with his amazing returns for Inter Milan. This now brings into question whether it was the Manchester United style that didn't help him.
He has proven to be a reliable goal machine and despite his size, his pace and off-the-ball movement are magnificent.
Manchester United's loss?
2. Hazard may not be finished
Since his move to Real Madrid in 2019, it has not been rosy for Eden Hazard with series of injuries plaguing his time in the Spanish capital and limiting his appearances.
The 30-year old was only able to manage 14 league appearances for the former Spanish Champions last season, registering three goals.
It was a different shade of the playmaker that we saw last night after coming on as a second half substitute. His movement on and off the ball was reminiscent of the Eden Hazard that graced the colours of Chelsea.
With Carlo Ancelotti back at the helms in Real Madrid, the former Lille of France forward will be looking to stay injury-free and claim his space in the team.
Could this be a turning point for Hazard?
3. Belgium are not here to joke
The first win in any tournament is always very vital, as it puts you in good position to progress through the group stage and the victory for Belgium is a statement of intent to other teams.
The Roberto Martinez-led side claimed bronze at the 2018 world cup in Russia and will be looking to go a step further at the Euros
How far do you think Belgium can go?
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