Lukaku's on fire! Two more Belgium goals for Romelu
Romelu Lukaku enjoyed an impressive evening’s work as Belgium finalised their World Cup preparations in style on Monday night, in a game screened live on MUTV in the UK and Ireland.
The striker took his tally of international goals to 36 in 69 appearances with a brace, and registered an assist, as the Red Devils came from behind to beat Costa Rica 4-1 at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
The Central Americans took a surprise lead in the 24th minute through their captain and former Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz, who capitalised on some sloppy defending.
But Belgium were back on level terms seven minutes later through Napoli’s Dries Mertens, who teed up Lukaku to thump an unstoppable finish past Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas at the back post shortly before the break.
The United no.9 then headed in a cross from half-time substitute Nacer Chadli, of West Bromwich Albion, to extend the lead on 50 minutes.
Lukaku's second goal of the night meant that Belgium’s all-time leading scorer has now scored five times in just four internationals in 2018, and 12 in his last nine games for Roberto Martinez’s side.
He capped off his memorable evening by laying on the fourth for Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi, just moments before making way for Thorgen Hazard in the 65th minute.
The United frontman, who heads into the World Cup on the back of scoring 27 goals during a fine debut season for the Reds, will be hoping to make an impact when Belgium open their Group G campaign in Russia against Panama next Monday evening.
HOW YOU REACTED ON SOCIAL
Lukaku's influential display against Costa Rica certainly got Reds fans talking. Here are just a few of your tweets...
It’s about time Romelu Lukaku is recognised and respected as a proven goalscorer. You can say what you want about his first touch but his main job is to get goals and that’s what he does @RomeluLukaku9 ⚽️🙌🏼💪🏼
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) June 11, 2018
A good nights work for Lukaku. Two goals and an unselfish assist when he could’ve gone for the hat-trick. Lukaku now has 12 goals in his last 9 Belgium games 🔥 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/vKCxsFfOrc
— Everything Man Utd (@everything_utd) June 11, 2018
Lukaku top goal scorer in the World Cup 👍🏼
— Conor Moyles (@ConorMoyles) June 11, 2018
Lukaku is incredible tonight!👌his strength, pace and sheer presence are phenomenal-bring on our new season😊⚽❤ #MUFC
— Annette (@AnnetteH0526) June 11, 2018