Belgium ended the group stage of Euro 2020 on a high as they won all three of their games for the first time ever after beating Finland 2-0.
The world’s number-one ranked side were the dominant side as expected in Saint Petersburg at Euro 2020. However, it took some time for the goal to come as Finland keeper Lukas Hradecky conceded an own goal in the 74th minute. Romelu Lukaku joined the party with a goal just seven minutes later for the Red Devils to secure the victory.
Finland slipped from second in Group B to third by virtue of Denmark’s 4-1 win over Russia in Copenhagen. This loss against Belgium means they need to hope of somehow making it into the final 16.
The Danes, having secured automatic qualification, will face Wales on Saturday. The match will be played in Amsterdam in the pre-quarterfinals.
Finland’s qualification hopes dashed
In their first appearance at a major tournament, Finland looked on course for the knockout stages. However, Hradecky turned a Thomas Vermaelen header over his own line after it came back to him off the post. Their chances of qualification are slim given their -2 goal difference.
Four third-placed teams will reach the knockout phase. Two teams – Switzerland and Ukraine – already hold better records than the Finns. There are also three more groups yet to be completed.
Belgium’s win has ensured that England, the Czech Republic, Sweden and France – all on four points with a game each to play – are guaranteed to progress even if they drop to third at Euro 2020.
