Kevin De Bruyne reached another major career milestone as his two goals helped Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in the Nations League on Saturday.
The Belgian midfielder scored the 200th and 201st goals of his senior career during the win in Liege. De Bruyne opened the scoring after combining well with Dodi Lukebakio. The pair played a neat one two before De Bruyne finished calmly from the edge of the box.
Turkey responded well and created problems for Belgium. However, they could not make their chances count. De Bruyne then struck again. He curled a fine effort from the edge of the area beyond Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir and into the top corner.
The 35 year old was making his 127th appearance for Belgium.
“I try to lead by example for the younger players, and they follow easily,” De Bruyne said. “I feel I can still contribute. I am enjoying myself, and that is the main thing.”
Romelu Lukaku later added Belgium’s third after coming on for Lukebakio. Charles De Ketelaere sent a low cross into the area and Lukaku managed to turn the ball past Cakir from close range.
“Kevin De Bruyne always wants to play,” Belgium coach Mark van Bommel said. “Italy, France, today. He is in a really good groove. He is radiating joy, and you can see that in the goals he is scoring.
“I am very pleased with the 3-0 win. We were sloppy in possession now and then and gave the opposition the feeling they could create chances.
“It went back and forth, and we were not controlled enough in those phases. We kept them in the match for a long time, though I never felt we were in danger of losing.”
Turkey have now lost all three of their Nations League matches. Belgium sit one point behind Group A1 leaders France.
