Belgium defeat Iceland in friendly ahead of Euro 2016 qualifiers
BRUSSELS --
Belgium beat Iceland 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday as both sides prepared for their European Championship qualifiers this weekend.
After Belgium defender Nicolas Lombaerts opened the scoring in the 11th minute and Alfred Finnbogason leveled two minutes later, a spectacular long-distance shot from Lille's Divock Origi put Belgium in front for good at the King Baudouin stadium. Romelu Lukaku finished the scoring in the 73rd minute.
Belgium played without injured central defender Vincent Kompany and Toby Alderweireld proved a poor replacement for the captain. Belgium needed two good saves from Thibaut Courtois in the opening half hour to keep the hosts level.
Belgium is at home to Group B leader Wales on Sunday while Iceland, the surprise leader in Group A, is away to second-place Czech Republic.
