De Bruyne Scores as Belgium Beats Romania 2-0 in Euro 2024 Opener

Kevin De Bruyne scored the opening goal as Belgium kicked off its Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-0 win over Romania in Cologne on Tuesday.

**Cologne, Germany:** Kevin De Bruyne's first-half strike proved to be the difference as Belgium opened its Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Romania in Cologne on Tuesday.

In a match that was fiercely contested from the outset, both teams had their chances to score but it was De Bruyne who provided the decisive moment in the 33rd minute. The Manchester City midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner of the Romanian net.

De Bruyne Scores as Belgium Beats Romania 2-0 in Euro 2024 Opener

The goal gave Belgium a deserved lead and they nearly doubled their advantage just before half-time when Michy Batshuayi's close-range effort was cleared off the line.

Romania started the second half brightly and they came close to equalizing on several occasions. Florin Tanase and Andrei Ivan both had good chances but they were unable to find the back of the net.

Belgium remained dangerous on the counterattack and they sealed the victory in the 64th minute when Leandro Trossard slotted home from close range after De Bruyne had played him through with a superb pass.

The win takes Belgium to the top of Group B, level on points with Armenia who defeated Tunisia 2-1 in their opening match. Romania, meanwhile, is bottom of the group and will need to improve its performance in its next match against Armenia.

Belgium's victory was a deserved one as they were the better team for much of the match. De Bruyne was once again the standout performer for the Red Devils and he was ably supported by Trossard and Batshuayi.

Romania was competitive but they lacked the quality in the final third to really trouble Belgium. If they are to progress to the knockout stages, they will need to improve their attacking play.

Belgium will next face Armenia on Saturday, while Romania will take on Tunisia.