Jump directly to the content

Sponsored by

ROMELU LUKAKU turned into Belgium's savior again and became the nation's all-time top scorer as he headed home for a 1-0 victory over Japan in a friendly on Tuesday.

A game between two teams bound for next year's World Cup was decided in the 72nd minute.

 This was Romelu Luklaku becoming his country's all-time top scorer despite being just 24
4
This was Romelu Luklaku becoming his country's all-time top scorer despite being just 24Credit: Reuters

Nacer Chadli weaved through the Japan defense and lobbed the ball into the goalmouth for Lukaku to head it over the goalline.

It was Lukaku's 31st goal for Belgium and he became top scorer at age 24.

Lukaku was already instrumental in qualifying Belgium for Russia and also scored a brace last weekend in a 3-3 draw with Mexico.

Belgium fielded a lot of second-string players seeking to make a belated impression on coach Roberto Martinez.

 The giant Belgian striker has now notched 31 goals for his country
4
The giant Belgian striker has now notched 31 goals for his countryCredit: AFP
 Romelu Lukaku gets the congratulations from Axel Witsel after scoring what turned out to be the only goal of the game against Japan
4
Romelu Lukaku gets the congratulations from Axel Witsel after scoring what turned out to be the only goal of the game against JapanCredit: AFP

The Manchester United striker, who is struggling with his club form of late, has recently revealed three strikers he has been ordered to watch by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

He says Martinez urged him to watch the movement of one past and one present Mexico striker as he fine tunes his game, and one Uruguayan.


LUK OUT Here's how Lukaku reacted after seeing Chelsea beat Man United


Lukaku has been criticised for his movement in a barren spell which has go seven Manchester United games without a goal.

But the 24-year-old reckons he has improved in the box and has urged strikers to watch Edinson Cavani at the business end of the pitch.

He said: "I've improved my movement, especially in the box.

"Two years ago, at Everton, Roberto Martinez made me watch videos of my own movement, but also those of other strikers like Hugo Sanchez, Edinson Cavani and Chicharito.

"You need to sit down and watch the Uruguayan's movement inside the box.

"It's incredible. On top of that, I worked three times a week on my runs inside the box with my coaches."

 Manchester United will now be desperate to see Romelu Lukaku discover some magic goalscoring form
4
Manchester United will now be desperate to see Romelu Lukaku discover some magic goalscoring formCredit: AP:Associated Press
Romelu Lukaku makes history by scoring with abysmal first touch
Topics