Belgium defeats Croatia 2-0 in World Cup preparation friendly

Belgium secured a 2-0 victory over Croatia in a friendly match played in Rijeka, as both teams continue their preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

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This was a difficult match. Belgium is an excellent team. We controlled most of the game.

Youri Tielemans opened the scoring for Belgium in the 38th minute, and Romelu Lukaku added a second goal in the 96th minute to seal the win. The match saw both teams utilizing their squads, with Croatia making ten substitutions.

Following the game, Croatian player Nikola Vlašić reflected on the match, describing it as difficult and acknowledging Belgium's strength. "Belgium is an excellent team. We controlled most of the game," Vlašić stated. "When they scored the first goal, they retreated into a low block and didn't create many chances. They waited for an opportunity to counter. Later, they scored for 0-2."

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When they scored the first goal, they retreated into a low block and didn't create many chances. They waited for an opportunity to counter. Later, they scored for 0-2.

Vlašić emphasized the importance of learning from the friendly. "This is a friendly match, and it's up to us to gel before the World Cup. We need to draw lessons from this and move forward. The coach gave everyone a chance, and that's good," he added.

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This is a friendly match, and it's up to us to gel before the World Cup. We need to draw lessons from this and move forward. The coach gave everyone a chance, and that's good.