Belgium and newly crowned world champion Holland played to a 1-1 friendly draw Tuesday at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, but the match was blessed with an almighty banger from Dries Mertens and the first international goal for 21-year-old Dutchman Arnaut Groeneveld.
Five minutes into the match, the living, breathing cheat code that is Eden Hazard continued his miraculous form with a driving run in Holland’s third, followed by a dangerous cross through the corridor of uncertainty.
The defensive header made its way toward the top of the box, but little Dries Mertens was there, lurking behind the referee, ready to spring out, scream and lash an unstoppable half-volley beyond three Netherlands defenders and the keeper on the goal-line. One of them actually ducked so as not to be killed.
Intanto Dries Mertens col Belgio. #Napoli pic.twitter.com/wty6pKcz65
— Pasquale Edivaldo Cacciola (@PE_Bahia) October 16, 2018
The way Groeneveld scored is mesmerizing as well. Watch Belgian right back Timothy Castagne play the role of the anti-Hazard and drove at his own defense for 20 yards. What a ball too.
#Belgium 1:1 #Netherlands | International Friendly | Goal #Arnaut #Groeneveld, 27#BELNED
via @VideoGoals_HD pic.twitter.com/ZK2WXMQ9wC— via @VideoGoals_HD (@viaVideoGoals_) October 16, 2018