Kevin De Bruyne's Brace Helps Belgium Hammer Cyprus in Euro 2020 Qualifying
Nov 19, 2019
Belgium made it 10 wins from 10 UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying games on Tuesday, as they coasted to a 6-1 victory over Cyprus.
Nicholas Ioannou gave the visitors a shock lead at King Baudouin Stadium, although it was quickly cancelled out by Christian Benteke.
Belgium took control from that point on, with Kevin De Bruyne's brace extending the home side's lead, before Yannick Carrasco made it 4-1 at half time.
The visitors were the architects of their own downfall after the break, as Kypros Christoforou turned into his own net. Benteke added further gloss to the scoreline with his second of the day, before Belgium took their foot off the gas late on.
Given they have long secured their qualification for the tournament next summer, it was no shock to see Belgium boss Roberto Martinez make some changes for the fixture. Early on, some complacency crept into their game.
Ioannou was able to capitalise with a memorable moment for the visitors, as he produced a cool finish to earn a surprise lead. Sadly for him, the opening goal seemed to angered the Red Devils.
After 16 minutes the game was level, with Benteke on hand to capitalise on good work from Carrasco. Per Football Accumulators, the forward is currently enjoying a more prosperous time with his country than for his club:
Christian Benteke has scored more goals in his last three games for Belgium than in the last two seasons for Crystal Palace in Premier League. pic.twitter.com/Jt8DUzAitO
Belgium then took the game away from Cyprus with a devastating eight-minute spell, as their plethora of attacking talent started to thrive.
The first of De Bruyne's goals should have been stopped by the Cyprus 'keeper in the 36th minute, although there was nothing to be done about the second a couple of minutes later, as the Manchester City man finished emphatically after being teed up by Carrasco.
Surprisingly, it was the first time De Bruyne had netted more than one goal in a game for a long time:
⚽️⚽️ Kevin De Bruyne has scored 2+ goals in a game for the 1st time in 2⃣0⃣7⃣ apps for club & country, since in Man City's 4-1 League Cup QF win v Hull in Dec 2015 pic.twitter.com/1Ov0O4G8TV
Having set up two goals in the first half, Carrasco eventually got on the scoresheet himself, heading in Eden Hazard's perfect cross a minute before the break.
For Cyprus, a difficult second half was in store and they didn't help themselves soon after the break. Christoforou tried to cut out a cross and could only turn the ball beyond his own goalkeeper in the process.
At this point, it was a feeding frenzy for the Belgian attackers and Benteke was understandably keen to add to his tally after a recent lean spell.
The Crystal Palace striker turned in De Bruyne's cross after 68 minutes, with Kristof Terreur noting the duo's previous connection from their time together at Genk:
De Bruyne on Benteke: "He knew perfectly where I was and what I would do. We just clicked.”
In the latter stages of the game, Martinez withdrew Hazard and De Bruyne, and the intensity of Belgium's play subsided.
While beating modest opposition like Cyprus doesn't represent a statement in its own right for the Red Devils, the consistency they've shown throughout this qualifying campaign further cements their status as a force to be reckoned with next summer.
What's Next?
Belgium will find out who they will face at next summer's European Championship on Saturday, November 30.
Russia vs. Belgium: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Nov 15, 2019
BRUSSEL, BELGIUM - MARCH 21: (L-R) Eden Hazard of Belgium, Kirill Nababkin of Russia during the EURO Qualifier match between Belgium v Russia at the Koning Boudewijn Stadium on March 21, 2019 in Brussel Belgium (Photo by Cees van Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Belgium and Russia will play their penultimate UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier in Group I on Saturday, with the Red Devils on course to complete a perfect run in qualifying.
Caesars has handed the visitors -110 odds to maintain their perfect run, while a Russian win sports odds of +275. A draw comes in at +285.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. GMT/12 p.m. ET. UK-based fans can tune in via Sky Go, while American fans can watch via ESPN3.
Belgium and Russia have already met once during this qualifying campaign, which was a 3-1 win for the hosts in Brussels:
Denis Cheryshev's goal remains the only one the Belgians have conceded so far in qualifying. Russia have won all of their matches since, and both teams have already qualified for Euro 2020.
With little at stake in terms of group position, both teams have opted to call up several youngsters and fringe players. For Belgium, the most surprising inclusion in the squad is Elias Cobbaut, who could earn his first cap. He earned his spot by impressing for Belgium's youth teams:
🗣️ R. Martinez: "@eliascobbaut had a good transition with @JohanWalem at the Under-21's. The #U21EURO last season was a key moment for him. In his club he shows that he is growing all the time” #EURO2020#COMEONBELGIUM 🇧🇪
Anderlecht team-mate Hendrik Van Crombrugge could also earn his first cap, and there was room in the squad for Yari Verschaeren, Leandro Trossard, Hans Vanaken and Maxime Lestienne.
For Russia, Rifat Zhemaletdinov and Zelimkhan Bakaev are two major talents for the future, and both could feature against the Red Devils. The hosts have opted against calling up the likes of Anton Miranchuk and Cheryshev, and are expected to do plenty of experimenting against Belgium and San Marino, their next opponents.
While the Red Devils are still chasing a perfect record, Russia can already shift their focus to next year's tournament. The team have built on their successful 2018 World Cup where they the reached the quarter-finals and have had an influx of talent since, with Ilzat Akhmetov the standout after making his debut in March.
A strong result at home against the top-ranked team in the world could provide the team with a major boost, but getting the next generation of potential stars up to speed is just as important.
Prediction: Russia 1-2 Belgium
Michy Batshuayi Scores in Belgium's UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying Win vs. Kazakhstan
Oct 13, 2019
Belgium's Michy Batshuayi celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Euro 2020 group I qualifying soccer match between Kazakhstan and Belgium at the Astana Arena stadium in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019. (AP Photo)
Belgium continued their perfect UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign away to Kazakhstan on Sunday, winning 2-0.
Michy Batshuayi opened the scoring after 21 minutes, and Thomas Meunier doubled the lead early in the second half.
The Red Devils had already qualified for the tournament with a win over San Marino. Kazakhstan trail second-placed Russia by 11 points with two matches left on their schedule in Group I.
Per the team's official Twitter account, the run of eight straight wins is a new record for Belgium:
With their Euro 2020 tickets already booked, Belgium opted to play some of their fringe players against Kazakhstan, giving a full debut to Dennis Praet and inserting Batshuayi and Thomas Vermaelen into the starting XI.
The revised lineup and rain-soaked artificial pitch contributed to a sloppy first half that saw few chances and several altercations. Batshuayi, in particular, was involved in multiple incidents, getting booked after 11 minutes.
He also opened the scoring after 21 minutes, tapping the ball home from close range after a great pass from Praet. The Chelsea man was lucky not to receive a second booking for a bad foul shortly before half-time.
Kazakhstan didn't threaten much in the first half, apart from a wild shot from Sergiy Maliy that was always rising beyond the goal.
Sports writer Owen Jones was not impressed with the quality of play:
The Red Devils needed a second goal after the break to feel a little safer and found it early, with Eden Hazard picking out Meunier with a phenomenal long ball. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back took a simple first touch before blasting the ball beyond goalkeeper Dmytro Nepohodov.
The second goal settled Belgium's nerves a bit, and both Thorgan Hazard and Dries Mertens narrowly missed chances to add to the lead shortly after.
Belgium continued to push the pace, but the aim of both Hazard and Batshuayi was off after impressive passing moves. Aibol Abiken tried his luck from distance but fired high, and Bauyrzhan Islamkhan couldn't beat Thibaut Courtois with a free-kick.
The Red Devils' win streak never came under threat in Kazakhstan, with the hosts seemingly more focused on battling the visitors than scoring late. Both Abiken and Abzal Beysebekov ran into bookings for bad fouls before the final whistle blew.
What's Next?
The final international break of the year takes place in November. Belgium will close out their qualifying campaign against Russia and Cyprus, while Kazakhstan face San Marino and Scotland.
Belgium Secure Euro 2020 Place After 9-0 San Marino Rout, Romelu Lukaku Brace
Oct 10, 2019
Romelu Lukaku scored a first-half brace as Belgium obliterated San Marino 9-0 and secured their place at UEFA Euro 2020 in winning a seventh match from seven in Group I qualifying.
Lukaku's goals were his 50th and 51st for the Red Devils, who have guaranteed they'll finish among the top two in their pool with three games to spare:
Nacer Chadli, Toby Alderweireld and Youri Tielemans each scored—along with a San Marino own goal—to establish a 6-0 lead in favour of the hosts at half-time.
Christian Benteke came off the bench to score his first international goal in two-and-a-half years. Youngster Yuri Verschaeren also came off the bench, winning and converting a penalty for his maiden international goal, before Timothy Castagne completed the rout.
The visitors remain bottom of Group I and have yet to clinch a point in qualifying—or score a goal—after seven matches.
Group I contenders Russia remain three points behind Belgium in second place after they defeated Scotland 4-0.
Lukaku had the best share of scoring chances early on, bundling a headed opportunity over the crossbar.
But the Inter Milan striker got his reward after 28 minutes and put Belgium ahead, firing low and inside Simone Benedettini's near post after Tielemans' pass slipped him in down the right, via Sky Sports (UK only):
Romelu Lukaku has scored his 5⃣0⃣th goal for Belgium
Sky Sports Statto noted the 26-year-old being the first Belgian to reach the milestone, not to mention the rate at which his scoring has increased as he's gained international experience:
⚽️ 🇧🇪 Romelu Lukaku is the 1st player to score 50 goals for Belgium 23 goals in 1st 60 caps 27 goals in last 23 caps pic.twitter.com/g1rSU7GcfR
Anderlecht winger Chadli hit San Marino while they still looked stunned by the breakthrough, with Lukaku this time teeing him up for a sweetly struck curler from the edge of the box.
Any chance of a comeback appeared to fade after Cristian Brolli's own goal to make it 3-0, again hitting the guests not long after they'd conceded.
Eden Hazard assisted Lukaku's second, skipping a pass inside from the left before Inter's frontman swung a hopeful effort inside the far post via a fortunate deflection off Davide Simoncini.
Alderweireld also benefited from a deflection and made it 5-0 after his speculative long-range attempt bounced off Andrea Grandoni and skidded in.
Not content with a five-goal cushion at the halfway mark, Hazard bombarded down the right flank before cutting back for Tielemans to flash a superb finish inside the far post (UK only):
Dries Mertens almost threaded Lukaku through for a hat-trick strike early in the second period, with the Red Devils looking at ease in what appeared little more than a training exercise for the hosts.
Mertens almost found Belgium's seventh, thwacking the post with a cross-goal effort before Lukaku was denied at close range from the ensuing corner. The former made way for 18-year-old Verschaeren—making just his second international appearance—soon after.
San Marino gave a far sturdier account of themselves in the second half, albeit welcoming a torrent of Belgian pressure inside their own half.
They kept the second period goalless for 34 minutes, but Crystal Palace striker Benteke eventually broke down the barriers once more with a slick long-range effort of his own.
Verschaeren opened his international account from 12 yards after the Anderlecht midfielder was brought down in the box by Brolli. He then played a crucial role crossing in for Castagne's sealing strike.
Belgian football writer John Chapman picked out his highlights from the match, which included super-substitutes Benteke and Verschaeren:
The whole squad wanted double figures but it ends 9-0. Euro qualification. Good for Martinez and tonight for Chadli, Vanaken, Verschaeren, Lukaku and Benteke. #BELSMR
The hosts had almost 80 per cent of possession on the night and failed to concede a shot on targetin the 90 minutes, perFlashScore.com.
Belgium have the prestigious honour of becoming the first UEFA nation to qualify for Euro 2020, taking a great burden off manager Roberto Martinez entering the final phases of their group campaign.
What's Next?
Belgium travel on Sunday to face Kazakhstan, who can no longer qualify finish among the top two in Group I following Russia's win over Scotland. San Marino are again on the road in their next fixture and face Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Belgium's Roberto Martinez Praises Eden Hazard and Says 'He's Not Fat'
Oct 10, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 05: Eden Hazard of FC Real Madrid gestures during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Granada CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 5, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has said Eden Hazard is "not fat" after accusations about the winger's fitness in his early days as a Real Madrid player.
Hazard has not enjoyed the best start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu, enduring an injury and taking six appearances to get off the mark in a Real shirt.
Ahead of Belgium's UEFA Euro 2020 fixtures against San Marino and Kazakhstan, though, Martinez has heaped praise on the former Chelsea star, per Marca:
"I'm happy to see Eden with the group. He's smiling. He's a world-class player, who is unique, talented. He is also very professional and, although he has already won trophies [in his career], he is reaching the highest point of his career. He takes great care of himself and, in my eyes, he's not fat."
Hazard, 28,joinedReal back in July for £88.5 million.
Initialreportsindicated he arrived for the club'spre-season tour seven kilograms overweight.
A hamstring injury then ruled him out of Real's first three La Liga games of the season, and when he returned, he initially made little impact.
However, he finally got his first competitive goal for LosBlancosin their 4-2 win over Granada on Saturday, and he also registered his first La Liga assist:
Goal no1 for Hazard. Granada give it away and the lifted ball through is poked over and in for a lovely finish. He needed it. 2-0, 45.
Real managerZinedineZidanewill hope that he can kick on from that match and make the kind of contribution for Real that he did for Chelsea last season:
Eden Hazard for Chelsea in the 2018/2019 Premier League:
most successful take-ons (137) most chances created (98) most shots taken (93) most assists (16) most goals (15)
Despite mixed performances, Real are top of La Liga after eight games of the new season.
If Hazard can find his best form, he will be a huge asset in Real's bid to win just their third title in 12 seasons.
At his best, the former Lille star can cause havoc in opposition defences, although Martinez recentlysaidhe can be effective "whetherhe's carrying weight or not."
Hazard was signed to fill the space left by Cristiano Ronaldo, and if he can even produce half the output the Portuguese did in his nine seasons in Madrid, Real will consider his hefty transfer fee money well spent.
Belgium vs. San Marino: Euro 2020 Qualifying Odds, Live Stream, TV Info
Oct 9, 2019
Belgium's Eden Hazard, left, is tackled by France's Paul Pogba during the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Tuesday, July 10, 2018. (AP Photo/David Vincent)
Belgium play host to San Marino on Thursday in Group I of the 2020 UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign.
The Red Devils will expect to score plenty of goals at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, and a victory will effectively seal their path to the finals.
The hosts top the group with a perfect record from their six games, and San Marino have conceded 28 goals without scoring in their six matches.
Date: Thursday, October 10
Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 7:45 p.m. BST, 2:45 p.m. ET
Odds: Belgium 1-100, San Marino 150-1, draw 55-1 (per Oddschecker)
Preview
The contrast between nations will be evident when one of the Euro 2020 favourites welcome one of Europe's minnows.
There are 210 nations in FIFA's world rankings, and Thursday's qualifier pits No. 1 against No. 210.
San Marino have always resided near the bottom of the rankings and have won only one game in their history—a 1-0 defeat of Liechtenstein in a 2004 friendly. Fifteen years without a victory makes La Serenissima one of the worst teams in history.
The Belgians have been irresistible in Group I, and Roberto Martinez's team have now gone 18 games without defeat at home. It would be a major shock if the undefeated run is not extended on Thursday.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku will expect to have a field day against San Marino, and Martinez indicated the former Manchester United player is much happier after leaving Old Trafford for Inter Milan.
The hosts will be without the injured Kevin De Bruyne, but skipper Eden Hazard will link up with Lukaku after scoring his first competitive goal in a Real Madrid shirt since his summer transfer from Chelsea.
Hazard missed September's 4-0 victory in San Marino, but he is expected to feature on Thursday alongside Los Blancos team-mate Thibaut Courtois.
The Madrid No. 1 has endured a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital after returning to La Liga 12 months ago.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MARCH 21: Timothy Castagne of Belgium, Eden Hazard of Belgium and Thibaut Courtois of Belgium celebrate after winning the 2020 UEFA European Championships group I qualifying match between Belgium and Russia at King Baudouin Stadium on
However, Martinez is convinced the pair will eventually hit their best form, per Reuters:
"When you play at the best clubs in the world, there will be periods of difficulty. For sure Thibaut and Eden can overcome these difficulties, they are ready for the challenge. This international break can be a positive for them and they can return to their club fresher and stronger."
San Marino will offer little resistance on the road, and Belgium's ruthlessness will likely see them rack up a huge score.
The Red Devils have scored 19 goals in Group I, conceding just once, and their attention will already be on winning next summer's Euro 2020 final.
Roberto Martinez Says Kevin De Bruyne Is 'In the Best Moment of His Career'
Sep 10, 2019
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne leaves behind arriving Belgium coach Roberto Martinez during Belgium's official press conference on the eve of the semifinal match between France and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, July 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has said Kevin De Bruyne is playing the best football of his career after his masterclass against Scotland.
De Bruyne was on fire for the national side on Monday, scoring one goal and setting up three in a 4-0 win over the Scots. The victory for Belgium sees them extend their perfect record in UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying, winning all six of their games in Group I.
The Manchester City star's performance was a continuation of his tremendous start to the season, and Martinez praised his charge, per Sky Sports (h/t Josh Thomas of Goal):
"He's been very, very good for a long time now. I think he's in the best moment of his career.
"This campaign has started with a freshness and real driven feeling of playing at his best, and when he does that he's as good as it gets. There's no other midfield player that can create space, a playmaker that can execute the passes that he does. It's a joy to see him fitting into the group."
After assisting Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld in the first half, De Bruyne expertly tucked away Belgium's fourth goal in the second period:
Sky Sports Statto provided the numbers behind an incredible display from the 28-year-old:
⭐️ Kevin De Bruyne’s contribution for @BelRedDevils against Scotland tonight 70 touches Completed 42/52 passes 7 chances created Assists for first 3 goals 4 shots, scoring the 4th goal pic.twitter.com/6sJAv53E6z
Per OptaJose, he is the first player to register three assists in the same game in Euro 2020 qualifying:
3 - Kevin De Bruyne is the first player to assist three goals in the same game of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying. Exhibition. pic.twitter.com/3ycqVfzgOR
De Bruyne was also asked if he feels as though there are any players performing to a higher standard in the world at the moment than him.
"Fortunately, I don't have to judge that," said the City midfielder. "I just have to play well. I'm just content. I'm feeling good."
De Bruyne will be delighted to be playing regular football again since his 2018-19 season was regularly disrupted by injury issues. In the campaign before, he was arguably the standout player in the Premier League, and he helped City waltz to the title with a record 100-point haul.
City were still able to finish top last season and notched 98 points. With that in mind, the prospect of an in-form De Bruyne being back in the side is ominous for the rest of the Premier League.
Football writer Stefan Bienkowski also expects De Bruyne to play a big role for Belgium in next summer's European Championships:
I'm pretty sure Belgium could get to at least the quarter finals of a major tournament with 10 crash-test dummies and Kevin De Bruyne just hitting balls off them.
City manager Pep Guardiola will be pleased to see his star midfielder come through the international break unscathed. De Bruyne's confidence should also be sky-high on Saturday, when the champions travel to newly-promoted Norwich City in the evening kick-off.
De Bruyne will need to show consistency of form and fitness to match his stunning exploits from the 2017-18 campaign. Having shone for club and country early in the current term, the indications are that the Belgian will be a force of nature to contend with over the coming months.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium Crush Scotland in Euro 2020 Qualifying
Sep 9, 2019
Scotland slipped to a damaging defeat in the qualification campaign for UEFA Euro 2020 after a 4-0 result to Belgium on Monday.
Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne provided three assists, creating goals for Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld, before scoring himself late on at Glasgow's Hampden Park.
The Scots trail second-place Russia in Group I and are in danger of missing out on automatic qualification for next summer's tournament. By contrast, the Red Devils already look like a lock to qualify after winning for the sixth time in as many matches.
De Bruyne's first assist came in the ninth minute when he played a low cross into the path of Lukaku. The Inter striker made no mistake from close range to cap a swift break.
That was a classic counter attack from Belgium: in 12 seconds from one side to the other.
The midfielder proved pivotal 15 minutes later, teasing a free-kick into the path of Vermaelen. The former Arsenal and Barcelona centre-back has always had a knack for scoring, and he converted well on the turn in the box.
The 28-year-old De Bruyne continued his creative masterclass eight minutes later with a well-placed corner that Tottenham defender Alderweireld headed in. There was no doubt De Bruyne had carried over his exceptional form from club level:
9' ⚽️ Lukaku 🅰️ de Bruyne 24' ⚽️ Vermaelen 🅰️ de Bruyne 32' ⚽️ Alderweireld 🅰️ de Bruyne
@DeBruyneKev now has eight assists in six matches for club & country this season 😍 pic.twitter.com/nSlzE3AF9G
There was no shortage of space for De Bruyne and Leicester City schemer Youri Tielemans in the middle of the park. Napoli forward Dries Mertens, who combined brilliantly with De Bruyne in the buildup to the opening goal, was also causing havoc with his well-timed runs from outside to inside.
Scotland weren't getting close enough to Belgium's primary flair players:
No shame in being outplayed by an outstanding Belgium side but this is abject surrender from Scotland. Not an ounce of passion. No quality and barely made a tackle. Desperate stuff.
It also didn't help the hosts lacked enough ingenuity of their own to take the game to the Red Devils. Manager Steve Clarke was missing some key players in the final third, notably Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, but replacements like West Ham United's Robert Snodgrass weren't doing enough to impose themselves in possession.
Owning such a healthy lead, Belgium understandably became a little sluggish with their passing after the break. De Bruyne's desire to turn almost every pass into an assist resulted in a few turnovers in possession, but the Scots rarely showed enough daring or ingenuity to take advantage.
One slick combination between De Bruyne and the enterprising Mertens should have resulted in a goal for the former. De Bruyne eventually got the goal his performance merited when he profited from a selfless pass from Lukaku.
Scotland lacked the fight shown during Friday's 2-1 home defeat to Russia. It's a worrying sign for Clarke, whose squad is devoid of the quality needed to credibly compete at this level.
As for Belgium, manager Roberto Martinez knows he has in De Bruyne the radar and skill to make his progressive tactics work on a bigger stage.
What's Next?
Scotland face second-place Russia in Moscow on October 10, while Belgium host San Marino on the same day.
Romelu Lukaku 'Doesn't Get Affected' by Racist Taunts, Says Roberto Martinez
Sep 8, 2019
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku pictured during a training session of Belgian national team the Red Devils at the Stadio Olimpico of San Marino, in Serravalle, San Marino, Thursday 05 September 2019. The team is preparing for two Euro 2020 qualifiers, against San Marino on Friday and Scotland next Tuesday. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR (Photo credit should read VIRGINIE LEFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has said striker Romelu Lukaku "doesn't get affected" by the attention he's received after he was the victim of racist abuse with Inter Milan.
Lukaku, 26, left Manchester United this summer and is off to a fine start in Milan. He recently scored a 2-1 winner at Cagliari and was the subject of monkey chants from the home fans, per The Guardian's Nicky Bandini.
The Inter star joined up with Belgium for the international break and was an unused substitute during Friday's 4-0 win over San Marino.
Belgium face Scotland in their next UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday, and Martinez told reporters Lukaku is used to lots of attention and expectation:
"I think Romelu is one of the modern footballers that he was born with the attention with the media following him at the age of 16 in Belgium.
"He had a media crew following around. They followed the expectation of a team having to win at Anderlecht with the Champions League participation. Then he had a big transfer to Chelsea, then he had time at West Brom before a big transfer fee to Everton. He then had another big transfer fee to Manchester United and now to Inter.
"Romelu doesn't get affected. He is one of the most driven boys that you are going to see. His life is football. He lives to score goals and be effective for the national team and his club."
The tactician admitted his player was "sad with the episode he had to go through" but felt assured the general football community wouldn't tolerate the racist abuse he endured at Cagliari.
Lukaku's plight was exacerbated after Inter's ultras—the club's extreme fans—issued a statement attempting to explain why the monkey chants targeting their own player weren't racist, per ESPN UK:
The former Chelsea and United frontman has scored twice in two appearances for the Nerazzurri thus far and has displayed great form since moving to the San Siro.
Sardinian club Cagliari issued an apology to Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi in January 2018 after he too was subject to racist abuse at their ground.
The Frenchman empathises with Lukaku's experience, per Goal:
🗣 Matuidi: "Racism in Italy? I already had this problem. There was the Lukaku problem. It was also in the same stadium.
"I think there must be some measures taken. It has no place in football. In all sports - and in life. We don't like to see that." pic.twitter.com/UHDhyy3mA7
Martinez is correct that Lukaku took the spotlight early on in his Belgian career, having finished developing in Anderlecht's academy and gaining a huge amount of attention for his age.
The manager's comments look to be accurate, too, based on one of the player's most recent tweets:
Lukaku has endured scrutiny at each of his old clubs, although playing in Italy could make this the first time he's been the target of racist abuse of this level—if at all.
