• International friendly

Januzaj makes international debut... again

ESPN staff
June 8, 2014
Belgium's friendly with Tunisia was halted by a severe hailstorm © Getty Images
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Adnan Januzaj won his first cap for Belgium however striker Romelu Lukaku was injured late on in a 1-0 victory over Tunisia that was interrupted by a severe hailstorm.

In Belgium's final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup, Lukaku came off the bench in the 61st minute but limped off again just before full-time after sustaining an ankle injury.

"For now it looks like a severe sprain, but of course there will be further tests tomorrow," Belgium manager Marc Wilmots said. "As it looks now, Romelu will be out for three or four days. Let's hope it stays that way."

Lukaku had scored four goals in his previous two games for Belgium - though his hat-trick in the 5-1 thrashing of Luxembourg on May 26 was wiped from the records after an error from Wilmots saw the match ruled invalid.

Wilmots made too many substitutions which led FIFA to re-classify the match from an official friendly to a non-cap practice game.

As a result, Januzaj's international debut was also struck off, though he came on in the 73rd minute to a rousing reception against Tunisia.

The players were forced off in the first half for 40 minutes due to the hailstorm, while Tunisia were reduced to 10 men after 63 minutes when Issam Jemaa was sent off for a second yellow card for grabbing Vincent Kompany's shirt.

Belgium dominated but lacked the cutting edge and had only a few shots at goal until Dries Mertens slotted home in the 89th minute after being set up by Nacer Chadli's pass.

Belgium play Russia, South Korea and Algeria in Group H at the World Cup.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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