Belgium routs Cyprus 6-1 to stay perfect in Euro qualifying
BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium completed its Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a perfect record and another big win, routing Cyprus 6-1 on Tuesday. Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Benteke both scored twice for the Red Devils at the King Baudoin stadium as the hosts, which had already qualified as Group I winners, easily overturned an early deficit.
Belgium's Eden Hazard attempts a shot at goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, right, scores his side's third goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, right, scores his side's third goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with Belgium's Youri Tielemans, left, after scoring his side's third goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, 2nd right, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Yannick Carrasco, right, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, right, jumps for the ball with Cyprus' Christos Wheeler during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, right, jumps for the ball with Cyprus' Christos Wheeler during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium players pose before the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Belgium's Eden Hazard runs with the ball during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Cyprus at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.
Benteke canceled out defender Nicholas Ioannou’s opener in the 16th minute and Belgium was then in complete control for the remainder of the game. Forward Yannick Carrasco was also on the scoresheet for Belgium and Christoforou Kypros scored an own goal.
Belgium lived up to its billing as the world’s top-ranked national team by scoring a qualifying-best 40 goals in 10 matches, with 15 different players netting. Roberto Martinez’s team only conceded three goals.
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