Belgium beats Iceland 5-1 in Nations League

Striker Michy Batshuayi scored twice and teenr Jeremy Doku marked his first international start with a goal as Belgium beat Iceland 5-1 Tuesday to claim a second consecutive win in Nations League.

Despite absence of several key players, including Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, hosts quickly recovered from going one goal down and mopolized ball in second half.

On day he was voted English football’s player of year, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne provided two assists at an empty King Baudouin stadium. match was played without fans because of coronavirus pandemic.

hosts trailed for only two minutes after Holmbert Fridjonsson put Iceland ahead in 11th. After Axel Witsel's equalizer, Belgium took lead in 17th through Batshuayi, who slotted ball home from rebound.

Dries Mertens added his name to score sheet with a clean finish five minutes into second half after being set up by De Bruyne. Batshuayi made it 4-1 with a back-heel flick and Doku completed rout 10 minutes from time. 18-year-old Anderlecht forward collected a pass from De Bruyne, cut inside box on left and unleashed a powerful strike into top corner at far post.

“I'm still shocked to be playing with such good players," Doku said. “I'm very happy with my performance."

Belgium won 2-0 at Denmark in ir Nations League A Group 2 opener last weekend.

Im credits: AP