{"id":16774,"date":"2026-06-03T10:51:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T07:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=16774"},"modified":"2026-06-03T10:51:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T07:51:01","slug":"belgium-beat-croatia-2-0-as-lukaku-and-doku-shine-ahead-of-world-cup-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/football-news\/belgium-beat-croatia-2-0-as-lukaku-and-doku-shine-ahead-of-world-cup-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Belgium Beat Croatia 2-0 as Lukaku and Doku Shine Ahead of World Cup 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Belgium strengthened its FIFA World Cup 2026 credentials with a professional 2-0 victory over Croatia in an international friendly. Goals from Youri Tielemans and Romelu Lukaku secured the win as the Red Devils extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches (W8, D4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result provides another confidence boost for head coach Rudi Garcia as Belgium fine-tunes preparations ahead of the biggest football tournament in the world. Meanwhile, Croatia suffered back-to-back friendly defeats for the first time in 20 years, raising questions before their World Cup opener against England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doku Leads Belgium’s Early Attack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The opening stages saw Belgium dominate possession and create the better opportunities. With concerns still surrounding Romelu Lukaku’s match fitness, J\u00e9r\u00e9my Doku was deployed through the middle and immediately caused problems for the Croatian defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite Belgium’s bright start, Croatia produced the first clear opening when veteran captain Luka Modri\u0107 released Petar Musa on a dangerous counterattack. However, the FC Dallas striker could only hit the side netting as the angle narrowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belgium continued to push forward through Kevin De Bruyne and Doku, although an early free-kick opportunity failed to trouble Dominik Livakovi\u0107.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Belgium
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tielemans Breaks the Deadlock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Belgium’s pressure eventually paid off midway through the first half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cleverly taken quick free-kick from Kevin De Bruyne caught Croatia off guard and sparked a dangerous attacking move. Doku then showcased his pace and dribbling ability on the wing before delivering a teasing cross into the box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Croatia’s defense failed to clear the danger, allowing the ball to fall kindly for Youri Tielemans, who calmly slotted home to give Belgium a deserved 1-0 lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal reflected Belgium’s dominance throughout the opening period, although Croatia nearly equalized before halftime. Luka Modri\u0107 tested former teammate Thibaut Courtois with a brilliant effort, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper produced an equally brilliant save to preserve Belgium’s advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substitutes Make Their Mark<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The second half lacked the intensity of the opening period as both managers appeared focused on squad rotation and fitness management ahead of the World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around the hour mark, Croatia introduced five substitutes in a bid to change the game. One of those replacements, Ante Budimir, almost made an immediate impact when his powerful header rattled the crossbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belgium responded with chances of their own. Hans Vanaken came within inches of doubling the lead when his header also struck the woodwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Croatia pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Belgium found space on the counterattack. Romelu Lukaku, introduced from the bench, reminded everyone of his world-class finishing ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experienced striker calmly finished a swift breakaway move late in the game to seal a convincing 2-0 victory and strengthen his claim for a starting role at the FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Belgium
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What This Result Means<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Belgium’s unbeaten run now stands at 12 matches, and their performances continue to improve at the perfect time. With stars such as De Bruyne, Doku, Courtois, Tielemans, and Lukaku finding form, the Red Devils will head into the World Cup with genuine ambitions of challenging for the trophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Croatia, the defeat is more concerning. Zlatko Dali\u0107’s side had enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten streak before recent losses to Brazil and Belgium. Defensive lapses and missed chances will need to be addressed quickly before the blockbuster World Cup opener against England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n