Belgium 1-1 Finland: Romelu Lukaku rescues draw after Euro 2016 favourites struggle to break down minnows

Romelu Lukaku scored a last-minute equaliser for Belgium with his chest after a questionable save

Belgium were held to a shock draw against Finland in their first Euro 2016 warm-up since confirming their final squad.

A dominant display by Marc Wilmots’ side was nearly all for nothing, with Kasper Hamalainen scoring the first goal of the game in the 53rd minute.

However, wantaway Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, who has been linked with a move to former club Chelsea, rescued Belgium with less than a minute to play.

He chested the ball into the back of the net after a questionable save by Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

MATCH FACTS

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Witsel, Fellaini; Origi (Mertens 57), De Bruyne, Hazard; Batshuayi (Benteke 57).

Subs: Mignolet, Gillet, R Lukaku, Mertens, Kabasele, Benteke, J Lukaku, Ciman.

Goals: Romelu Lukaku 89.

Finland: Lukas Hradecky, Arajuuri, Toivio, Eremenko, Perparim Hetemaj, Arkivuo, Sparv, Halsti, Ring, Hamalainen, Raitala.

Subs: Maenpaa, Joronen, Ojala, Moren, Vayrynen, Pukki, Saksela, Lam, Kauko, Uronen, Pohjanpalo.

Goals: Kasper Hamalainen 53.

The Red Devils are regarded as one of the potential dark horses for Euro 2016, but struggled to break down a side that who finished fourth in their group, behind Northern Ireland, Romania and Hungary.

They would have been humiliated by a home defeat against Finland, but Lukaku reacted speedily to turn the ball home after Hradecky palmed the ball into the air.

Hamalainen’s goal resulted from poor defending by Thomas Vermaelen and Axel Witsel, with the forward steering home from 10 yards out after a perfectly placed low cross.

Wilmots’ side had dominated the encounter, hitting the post on several occasions, but until his late mistake Hradecky had performed exceptionally.

‘It was difficult. We created a lot of chances and then we had an unlucky moment against us. We really should have won,’ Lukaku said.

‘All teams seem to defend against us and wait for their one chance.’

Belgium open their Euro 2016 campaign against Italy on June 13.

They have also been drawn alongside the Republic of Ireland and Sweden in Group E of the competition.