Batshuayi nets 2 as Belgium beats Switzerland 2-1

Striker Michy Batshuayi scored twice Wednesday to help a makeshift Belgium side come from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 in a friendly game.

Crystal Palace forward showed clinical efficiency to convert Belgium's two best chances in second half after Switzerland deservedly took le with an early goal that rewarded its intense pressing.

Ahe of upcoming Nations League matches against England and Denmark, Belgium coach Roberto Martinez played mostly his backups and handed debuts to youngsters Dodi Lukebakio, Hannes Delcroix and Charles De Ketelaere.

Regular starters Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku were rested. FIFA’s top-ranked team was also without Real Mrid star Eden Hazard, who remained quarantined in Spain following a positive COVID-19 test.

“re were a lot new players today and match was very physical," Batshuayi said. “It feels good to win this kind of matches, it was good test for newbies, and for me too."

Switzerland pressed high in early sts and took le in 12th minute following a defensive error from Sebastiaan Bornauw, who failed to control a long ball and heed it back into path of mir Mehmedi. Switzerland forward moved into area unmarked and fired a powerful shot past 'keeper Simon Miglet.

Bereft of attacking inspiration, hosts struggled throughout first half and would have conceded a second goal if t for Miglet's save in 27th, when Mehmedi h ar chance from close range after Belgium gave ball away close to its box.

Youri Tielemans came on after interval and Leicester midfielder won ball high in Switzerland's camp in 53rd minute and set up Batshuayi, who converted his first chance with a left-foot shot after dribbling past a defender.

hosts played more aggressively in second half but did t create much while Switzerland continued to threaten with good attacking combinations. Right back Silvan Widmer came close soon after hour-mark when he forced Miglet to a diving save with a precise shot.

Belgium finally found a winner after a move ignited down left flank by Lukebakio, who got past his marker and crossed at far post. Thomas Foket connected with ball and put it back in box for Batshuayi. striker received ball with his back to goal, turned around and and slammed it into net in 70th.

game was played in city of Leuven without fans because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Last in its group, Switzerland hosts Spain n Ukraine in its next Nations League games.

Im credits: AP