The Belgian national team consolidated their position at the top of Group H, after defeating Estonia 2-0 on Friday, in a match where Roberto Martinez's team did just enough to secure a lackluster victory.
The "Red Devils" had to wait for a mistake from goalkeeper Mikhel Aksalu, who failed to catch a simple cross from Kevin de Bruyne from the left wing, to score the opening goal through Napoli's Dries Mertens.
A goal that ended any possibility of a surprise result for the Estonian team, who were condemned to defeat following the expulsion of midfielder Artjom Dmitrijev, who saw a straight red card for a nasty and unnecessary tackle on Marouane Fellaini.
With a player advantage, Belgium seemed to speed up their game in the second half, but failed to find the necessary fluidity to create clear scoring chances, as Estonia defended deep in their own half.
And when they did find opportunities, the Belgian team encountered goalkeeper Aksalu, who redeemed himself from his mistake in Mertens' goal with two superb saves from shots by Fellaini in the 64th minute and De Bruyne in the 69th minute.
Aksalu could do nothing to prevent Nacer Chadli from scoring the definitive 2-0 goal in the 86th minute, allowing Belgium to solidify their first place position in Group H, with a four-point advantage over second-placed Greece and a five-point advantage over third-placed Bosnia.
Estonia vs Belgium - match highlights
Estonia vs Belgium - lineups
Estonia: Aksalu; Teniste, Baranov, Mets, Klavan, Pikk; Zenjov (Ojamaa, m.80), Käit, Dmitrijev, Luts (Kallaste, m.75), Vassiljev.
Belgium: Teniste, Baranov, Mets, Klavan, Pikk; Zenjov (Ojamaa, m.80), Käit, Dmitrijev, Luts (Kallaste, m.75), Vassiljev
Stadium: A. Le Coq Arena (Tallinn).
EFE
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