MX23RW : Monday, December 23 08:30:38| >> :600:270475386:270475386:
[monks data]
Switzerland national football team
International Friendlies
May 28, 2016 at 3.15pm UK
 
Belgium national football team

1-2

Dzemaili (31')
Seferovic (81')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Lukaku (34'), De Bruyne (84')

Kevin De Bruyne scores late winner for Belgium in friendly with Switzerland

Kevin De Bruyne scores a late winner for Belgium in a 2-1 triumph over Switzerland in this afternoon's pre-Euro 2016 friendly.

Kevin De Bruyne scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for Belgium over Switzerland in a friendly this afternoon as part of the two nations' Euro 2016 preparations.

The Manchester City attacker has now found the back of the net 13 times for his country, putting himself in a strong position for next month's European finals in France.

The hosts tried to make an early impact at the Stade de Geneve when a cross was whipped into the area in the second minute, but Axel Witsel, who was positioned as a right-back, headed back to Thibaut Courtois.

A few minutes later, Eden Hazard got on the ball at the other end of the pitch before cutting inside from the left.

The Chelsea playmaker drilled the ball across the area, but neither Romelu Lukaku nor Kevin De Bruyne could not get on the end of it.

Xherdan Shaqiri and Marouane Fellaini in action during the international friendly between Switzerland and Belgium on May 28, 2016© AFP

Inside the first 10 minutes of the match, Switzerland had a decent spell as they forced a block from Witsel and Michael Lang's shot just drifted wide of the post.

Belgium were unable to seriously trouble the keeper inside the first 20 minutes, but Dries Mertens kept trying as he shot from distance, but it was blocked.

The winger tried again a few minutes later, but it was a weak effort and Switzerland comfortably cleared.

Belgium began to up the tempo, and Lukaku had a decent opportunity when he broke away from his marker and drilled a low shot at goal, but it was saved by the keeper.

At the other end, Xherdan Shaqiri broke into the box before unleashing a shot, but Courtois was able to punch the ball clear.

Blerim Dzemaili channels Gareth Bale after scoring during the international friendly between Switzerland and Belgium on May 28, 2016© Getty Images

Just after the half hour mark, Blerim Dzemaili gave Switzerland the lead with a shot from the centre of the box into the bottom corner, but Lukaku equalised just three minutes later.

The Everton striker, who has been linked with a summer move away from the Premier League club, found the top left corner from the six-yard box after latching onto Mertens's pass.

After the half-time break, Switzerland started on the frontfoot as Shaqiri let a shot from distance fly, but his attempt surged over the bar.

Belgium managed to find their feet in the second half as De Bruyne delivered a low cross towards Lukaku, who was waiting at the far post, but the cross was slightly over-hit.

The visitors had an opportunity to take the lead through Jan Vertonghen, who latched onto De Bruyne's delivery from the corner flag, but the Tottenham Hotspur defender's header went over the crossbar.

Both teams had opportunities to seal victory, but it was De Bruyne who nabbed the winner in the 84th minute when he thumped the ball into the net shortly after Switzerland went down to 10 men following Haris Seferovic's sending-off.

ID:273672: cacheID:273672:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5802:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Eden Hazard warms up at White Hart Lane prior to the game between Spurs and Chelsea on November 29, 2015
Read Next:
Eden Hazard "99%" sure of Chelsea stay
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!