Kevin De Bruyne produced an attacking masterclass as new Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco made it two wins in as many games with a 3-2 friendly triumph at Germany on Tuesday.
Tedesco's tenure started with a 3-0 victory over Sweden in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday, and Belgium, inspired by new captain De Bruyne, impressed again at RheinEnergieStadion.
Germany had no answer inside the first nine minutes in Cologne as De Bruyne teed up goals for Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku.
Niclas Fullkrug's 44th-minute penalty offered Hansi Flick's hosts hope, but De Bruyne's slick 78th-minute finish ensured another victory at the start of a promising era under Tedesco as Serge Gnabry's late reply counted for little.
Carrasco fired Belgium into a sixth-minute lead after cutting inside from De Bruyne's pinpoint pass before coolly blasting into the roof of the net.
Another delicate De Bruyne throughball teed up Belgium's second, Lukaku racing through and lofting over an onrushing Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Dodi Lukebakio inexplicably dragged a glorious chance wide before Lukaku headed onto the crossbar from De Bruyne's corner, prompting Flick to make two 32nd-minute changes.
The injured Leon Goretzka and Florian Wirtz made way for Felix Nmecha and Emre Can, with Germany responding as Fullkrug converted his penalty after Lukaku was adjudged to have handled.
Germany ramped up the pressure after the interval as Gnabry smashed just wide before Timo Werner saw a strike ruled out for offside. Joshua Kimmich also went close with a whistling low strike.
But De Bruyne put the game out of reach, finishing into the bottom-right corner from Leandro Trossard's offload, making Gnabry's late strike from Kevin Schade's low cross – shortly after hitting the post – a mere consolation.
What does it mean? Flick warning as Belgium earn rare Germany win
Flick's side do not have to qualify for Euro 2024 due to hosting the tournament, but Germany cannot afford such early lapses in concentration at that showpiece competition.
Belgium had not beaten their hosts since 1954 but raced into the ascendancy after eight minutes and 26 seconds – their earliest 2-0 lead since February 2003 against Algeria.
Despite improving in response, Germany must show more if they are to build ahead of the Euros, with Flick needing a strong home performance after their group-stage exit at the World Cup in Qatar.
De Bruyne and Lukaku shine
Lukaku's treble against Sweden saw him join Robert De Veen on three hat-tricks for their country, the joint-most for Belgium.
The Inter loanee once again found the net here to continue his impressive form under Tedesco, although he could not have done so without De Bruyne, who created a game-leading three chances to go with his goal.
Fullkrug on fire
Fullkrug had to wait until November 2022 for his Germany debut in a pre-World Cup friendly against Oman – but he certainly has not looked back since then.
The Werder Bremen striker has scored six goals in his first six international appearances, with no Germany player this century managing as many goals in their first half-dozen outings.
What's next?
Belgium return to Euro 2024 qualifying action when they host Austria on June 17, while Germany are yet to confirm their next friendly opponents.
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya valued at £40million by boss Thomas Frank
Brentford boss Thomas Frank values goalkeeper David Raya at £40million.
Tottenham and Manchester United have been heavily linked with Spaniard Raya, who has a year left on his Bees contract having turned down a new one.
The 27-year-old kept his 12th clean sheet of the season in the 1-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday but Frank admits his future probably lies elsewhere.
“I think we only have one player for sale,” said Frank. “That’s the one that’s been talked about a lot, David. He costs £40million, I think I said.”
Frank himself is on the radar of bigger clubs having guided Brentford to a ninth-placed finish in their second season in the Premier League.
Other players, such as full-backs Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey, will also attract interest this summer.
But Frank added: “We are a selling club. I don’t think that’s a secret. But they need to be crazy high amounts for the players for anyone to leave.
“I’m pretty sure that everyone, including myself, is very happy here at Brentford.”
Ethan Pinnock’s 85th-minute goal saw the Bees became the only club to do the double over City this season.
The champions have bigger fish to fry, however, as they chase an historic treble with the FA Cup final against Manchester United to come next weekend, followed by the Champions League showpiece with Inter Milan on June 10.
Pep Guardiola left the likes of Erling Haaland, John Stones and Ilkay Gundogan on the bench and used the occasion to give 19-year-old Shea Charles his debut as a substitute.
“Shea Charles, against this team with top, top strikers, fast and strong, it’s not the easiest debut,” said the City boss.
“At the same time we didn’t play for points. We know him, he trains quite regularly with us. He’s so good, so composed.
“When you can make your debut, after joining the club aged nine, is the biggest compliment for all the managers he had and the trainers and those that take care of him. I’m pretty sure it was a big moment for him.”
Luciano Spalletti set to leave Napoli after leading club to Serie A success
Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti is set to leave the club after guiding them to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis said that the 64-year-old, who took over the Partenopei in 2021, has asked to take a sabbatical and will leave the club with a year left on his contract.
“He’s a free man, now it’s right that he continues to do what he wants. I thank him,” De Laurentiis told Italian broadcaster Rai as reported by Sky Italy.
Napoli clinched their first title since 1990, when Diego Maradona led them to the Scudetto, with five games to spare.
Spalletti’s final game in charge is set to be at home to Sampdoria next Sunday.
Reports in Italy suggest Napoli will attempt to bring in former Barcelona and Spain head coach Luis Enrique to replace Spalletti.
A number of their star players such as top scorer Victor Osimhen and centre-back Kim Min-jae have been linked with moves away from Naples this summer, with a host of Premier League clubs among those reportedly interested.
Dundee choose Tony Docherty to lead them in Premiership
Tony Docherty has left his role as Kilmarnock assistant to become manager of newly-promoted cinch Premiership side Dundee.
The 52-year-old is a surprise appointment as he has spent the majority of his coaching career as number two to Derek McInnes at St Johnstone, Bristol City, Aberdeen and Killie.
Docherty takes over from Gary Bowyer, who departed immediately after winning the Championship title earlier this month.
The Dees had spoken to former St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson, while Raith Rovers manager Ian Murray was also in contention, but the club declared on Monday that “after a full and thorough search process, Tony was the outstanding candidate. He has gained great respect as a coach and knows what is required to be successful in Scotland’s top flight.”
Technical director Gordon Strachan has worked with Docherty previously in the Scotland set-up. “Tony is a guy that has been there and done it in Scottish football, at a number of clubs alongside Derek,” he said.
“I had the privilege to witness Tony’s coaching skills first-hand when he joined the Scotland coaching team.
“We know that next season is a big one for the club and Tony knows what it takes to win matches in this league, and that’s what we need. I’m thrilled we’ve got Tony on-board.”
Managing director John Nelms added: “I am delighted with Tony’s appointment. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge of our game, having been in the dugout for over 750 matches including national team experiences, European nights, and trophy-lifting moments here domestically.
“Tony’s leadership, work ethic, and humility will go a long way to bringing Dundee success in the coming years.”
Docherty’s backroom team will be appointed in due course.
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