A brace from Romelu Lukaku helped propel Belgium to a 4-1 friendly win over Costa Rica on Monday.
The teams, playing in King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, had their final tune-ups ahead of their respective opening group stage games at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Belgium’s MLS representative, LAFC defender Laurent Ciman, remained an unused substitute in the match. Officially, Ciman is on standby for Belgium, as he was left outside the 23-man final roster for the World Cup proper, but his continued presence with the squad indicates he may still have a shot at being added to the roster, presumably for Vincent Kompany, whose health for the tournament remains a question mark.
On the other side, Costa Rica started one MLSer, Ciman’s club teammate Marco Ureña, and Ticos head coach Oscar Ramirez brought in several more over the course of the match. Minnesota United’s Francisco Calvo replaced Bryan Oviedo at halftime, while Johan Venegas, on loan at Saprissa this season from Minnesota, entered for Ureña at the break. Portland Timbers midfielder David Guzman came off the bench in the 62nd minute.
Costa Rica actually took the lead, as Bryan Ruiz fired the visitors ahead in the 24th minute. But it was all Belgium after that, as Roberto Martinez’s group cruised. Dries Mertens tied the match in the 31st minute, and Lukaku scored his goals on either side of halftime. He then turned provider, setting up Michy Batshuayi with the final tally in the 64th minute.
Costa Rica kick off Group E play on Sunday against Serbia, while Belgium will play Costa Rica’s neighbor Panama in Group G play on Monday.
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