Belgium vs Greece. FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group H.
King Baudouin StadiumAttendance42,281.
Belgium 1-1 Greece: Everton striker Romelu Lukaku's late strike rescues point
Sunday 26 March 2017 10:32, UK
Romelu Lukaku struck late to rescue a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw for depleted Belgium on Saturday against Greece, who were down to 10 men for the final 25 minutes and finished with nine.
Lukaku's turn and shot in the 89th minute cancelled out the opener from Kostas Mitroglou, who scored just 18 seconds after half-time in the visitors' first real attack of the game, to keep Belgium top of Group H.
Belgium, missing injured Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne, took advantage of Panagiotis Tachtsidis' dismissal in the 65th minute for a second yellow card as they subjected the Greek defence to a wave of attacks.
Giorgos Tzavellas was also sent off for a second yellow after a scuffle broke out deep into injury time.
Belgium had destroyed the other four group opponents, scoring 21 goals to just one against, while Greece came into the match undefeated.
The hosts were playing only for the second time since 2012 without both Hazard and De Bruyne, their two most creative forces.
With right-back Thomas Meunier also absent, Roberto Martinez had called the match the biggest test of his near eight-month stint as national coach.
Still, with a free-roaming Dries Mertens and a recalled Radja Nainggolan taking up Hazard and De Bruyne's positions, Belgium had appeared to be in control, although with only two chances from Marouane Fellaini to show in a dour first half.
Greek cheers and hugs at the end showed their delight with a point away against the group favourites. Belgium lead with 13 points, two more than Greece, with Bosnia on 10.
