Belgium began their European Championship campaign on Saturday with a Romelu Lukaku double to beat Russia 3-0.
Lukaku started scoring for Belgium early on and then ran to the pitchside camera and said, "Chris, Chris, I love you" in tribute to international teammate Christian Eriksson, who had fallen on the pitch and was previously in Finland. were pulled during the match against Denmark. in daytime.
Lukaku said that Ericsson's situation had left him in tears before the game.
Lukaku said, "I cried a lot because I was scared, obviously." "You live strong moments together. I spent more time with him than with my family. My thoughts are with him, his girlfriend, his 2 kids & his family.
"I enjoyed the game, but it was difficult for me to play because my mind was with Christian. I hope he is healthy & I dedicate this performance to him."
Belgium took the lead twice in the 34th minute after a defensive lapse from Russia allowed Thomas Meunier to bounce off a loose ball & open home fire to give Roberto Martinez's side a comfortable lead at half-time.
Russia tried in vain to get back into the match in the second half & Lukaku put Belgium to bed just before full time with another goal to give Belgium all 3 points & keep them at the top of Group B.
Belgium's apparent superiority was evident throughout the encounter in St Petersburg, & victory for Martinez's team came without Kevin de Bruyne, with injury, & only a cameo substitute appearance from Eden Hazard, another talismanic captain of the team.