Belgium 1-1 Austria: Romelu Lukaku equalizes but Belgium are held by group leaders Austria

Austria picked up a potentially important away point as they held Belgium to a 1-1 draw in their 2024 Group F European Championship qualifier in Brussels on Saturday, ending an impressive winning streak of his hosts during the preliminaries.

The result meant Austria, who played a robust physical game, advanced to seven points from three games, three more than Belgium, who were playing their second group game, in a bid to advance to the final of next year in Germany.

Austria took the lead from a 21st-minute corner, moved to the back post where Michael Gregoritsch kicked the ball in. Belgium midfielder Orel Mangala brought his heel out in a sloppy effort to block the ball and only managed to deflect it past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. .

Romelu Lukaku, Belgium captain in the absence of injured Kevin De Bruyne, had missed a good chance early in the second half but caught it in the 61st minute giving him time to turn and shoot in the ‘equalization.

The goal took Lukaku’s record for his country to 73 goals in 108 appearances, but the draw ended Belgium’s 15-game winning streak in European Championship qualifying dating back to 2015.

Michael Gregoritsch gave Austria the lead in the 21st minute of Euro 2024 qualifying

Lukaku managed to bring Belgium level with his goal scored just after the hour mark

Courtois made a diving save to prevent Stefan Posch from restoring Austria’s lead soon after, but woodwork prevented Belgium from earning a stoppage time as Youri Tielemans rattled the crossbar.

The game marked a disappointing home debut for new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco, whose side will face Estonia on Tuesday.

Austria have a chance to retain their top spot when they face Sweden in Vienna on the same night.