Belgium Come From Behind to Hand Turkey Fifth Straight Nations League Defeat

Belgium came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Turkey in their UEFA Nations League Group A encounter on Thursday. Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere scored three minutes apart to turn the game around after Arda Guler had given the hosts an early lead.

The match in Izmir started with both sides looking to make an impact, but Turkey took the lead in the 20th minute through a brilliant free-kick from Guler. The Real Madrid midfielder stepped up from around 25 metres and sent a left-footed effort into the top corner, leaving Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens with little chance of stopping it.

Belgium responded well to falling behind and soon found their way back into the contest. De Bruyne came close with an effort from outside the box before getting his name on the scoresheet in the 27th minute. Jeremy Doku set him up inside the penalty area, and the Manchester City midfielder made no mistake with a right-footed finish to level the score at 1-1.

The visitors needed only three more minutes to complete the turnaround. Maxim De Cuyper played a key role in the move, setting up Diego Moreira for an effort that Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir managed to save. However, the rebound fell into Belgium's path, allowing De Ketelaere to find the net from close range and put his side 2-1 ahead in the 30th minute.

Turkey tried to respond before the break, but Belgium held on to their advantage and went into half-time with the lead. The hosts had to find another goal in the second half, while Belgium looked to extend their advantage.

Both teams continued to create chances as the second half progressed. Turkey brought on Hakan Calhanoglu and Deniz Gul in the 58th minute in an attempt to change the game. Baris Alper Yilmaz also had an opportunity from inside the box, but Lammens was in the right position to make the save.

On the other hand, Belgium made changes of their own, with Leandro Trossard and Dodi Lukébakio coming on in the 68th minute.

Turkey also had several chances in the closing stages, but Lammens stood firm to preserve Belgium’s edge. He denied efforts from Deniz Gul and Yunus Akgun in the 82nd and 83rd minutes before making another save to stop Hakan Calhanoglu's late attempt.

Belgium also looked for a third goal, but neither side found the net again before the final whistle. As a result, the visitors held on to claim all three points after an impressive comeback, while Turkey were left to rue their missed chances despite taking an early lead.

The result gave Belgium an important Nations League victory ahead of their final group-stage fixture against Italy, while Turkey will look to respond in their next outing against France.