Foreign media saw two stars make the difference for the Red Devils against ‘brave Austria’: “He can become one of the best in the world”

Against a battered Austria, the Red Devils qualified for the 2024 European Championship in Germany on Friday evening. The Belgians took a 0-3 lead and there seemed to be no problem, but nonchalantly almost gave it away. An image that the foreign media also saw, although they mainly focused on two Belgian stars. “There are 60 million reasons why Manchester City transferred the same amount of euros for him in the summer.”

Die Presse: “Without them the Belgians would have given up”

In the Austrian media they saw how their brave country was defeated by two Belgians. “It was clear that Belgium’s selection was technically better. There are 60 million reasons why Manchester City transferred the same amount of euros to Stade Rennes for winger Jérémy Doku in the summer. Doku, 21, could become one of the defining figures in world football in the coming years,” wrote Die Presse. They thought that Austria was not even inferior to the Red Devils. “A small consolation: Belgium would also suffer if Lukebakio or Doku were not there,” the Austrian newspaper said.

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Kurier: “They repeatedly caused danger through their technique at top speed”

Kurier’s colleagues also shared that opinion and focused on the same standouts. “Belgium always found control, especially through Doku of Manchester City and Lukebakio of Sevilla who repeatedly created danger with their agility and technique at top speed.” According to Kurier, Austria deserved the equalizer after their comeback: “They threw everything forward, Belgium faltered, but still withstood the Austrians’ attack.”

Sport ORF: “With his strong dribbling he attracted three opponents to free Lukaku”

The Austrian Sport Orf saw how Belgium was not exactly on top against the home team, but star Doku made it easier for the Red Devils. “The Belgians took the lead and did not feel rushed to increase it. Seiwald initially held his ground on the flank, but he had a hard time against the fast and technically skilled Jérémy Doku. The Belgians had the better nose for goal on Friday evening, even though Lukaku failed with a lob against the crossbar. The free kick that resulted from that action made it 0-2.”

“Three minutes later, Belgium took advantage of the Austrian disarray, especially Doku, who attracted three opponents with his strong dribbling and eventually set Lukaku free. You shouldn’t give the striker such a chance twice: he shot into the far corner for the provisional decision. However, the 0:3 in no way reflected the performance of both teams on the pitch.” Sport ORF was disappointed that Austria was just unable to complete the comeback.

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Algemeen Dagblad: “Lukebakio was the great man”

In the Netherlands they also saw how Belgium owes its victory to one man. “Against Austria, Dodi Lukebakio was the big man. The attacker made both the 0-1 and the 0-2. Romelu Lukaku also contributed after the break by putting the third Belgian goal on the scoreboard. Konrad Laimer did something back on behalf of Austria and through Marcel Sabitzer it even became 2-3, but that was it. Belgium ended up with ten men after a red card for Amadou Onana,” wrote Algemeen Dagblad.

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Sky Sports: “It became less comfortable”

Little to no praise for Jérémy Doku and the Red Devils on the channel, perhaps because England itself also took action. Sky Sports saw how the Belgians almost gave away a glorious lead. “The visitors seemed to be on a roll after Dodi Lukebakio’s double and Romelu Lukaku’s effort, which put them at three before the hour mark.”

“It became less comfortable when Konrad Laimer conceded a goal in the 72nd minute, Belgium found itself with 10 men six minutes later due to a red card for Amadou Onana and Marcel Sabitzer scored a penalty in the 84th minute. But Domenico Tedesco’s team managed to win.”

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