Lukaku gives Belgium 1-0 win over Japan in friendly
Posted November 14, 2017 6:00 am
BRUGES, Belgium (AP) - Romelu Lukaku turned into Belgium's savior again and became the nation's all-time top scorer as he headed home for a 1-0 victory over Japan in a friendly on Tuesday.
A game between two teams bound for next year's World Cup was decided in the 72nd minute, when Nacer Chadli weaved through the Japan defense and lobbed the ball into the goalmouth for Lukaku to head it over the goalline.
It was Lukaku's 31st goal for Belgium and he became top scorer at age 24.
Lukaku was already instrumental in qualifying Belgium for Russia and also scored a brace last weekend in a 3-3 draw with Mexico.
Belgium fielded a lot of second-string players seeking to make a belated impression on coach Roberto Martinez.
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku reacts after taking a shot on goal during a international friendly soccer match between Belgium and Japan at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Brugge, Belgium, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
Japan's goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, left, makes a save on a shot taken by Belgium's Romelu Lukaku during a international friendly soccer match between Belgium and Japan at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Brugge, Belgium, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.