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

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Updated: June 2, 2016
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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.

Kasper Hamalainen celebrates with his Finnish team-mates after opening the scoring in the 53rd minute

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, shown dribbling the ball down the wing, could not help Belgium win the tie

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.

Eden Hazard battles with Finland's Perparim Hetemaj for the ball during the Euro 2016 warm-up encounter

BELGIUM’S EURO 2016 GAMES

June 13: 8pm v Italy, Stade de Lyon, Lyon, BBC

June 18: 2pm v Republic of Ireland, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, ITV

June 22: 8pm v Sweden, 8pm, Stade de Nice, Nice, ITV

‘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.

Everton striker Lukaku, who has been linked with a move away from the club, celebrates after equalising