Belgium's Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden had to be called off at half-time, with fans kept in the stadium for security reasons after a shooting incident in Brussels left two Swedes dead. Spectators at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels were instructed to remain inside as it was announced that the match would not continue after half-time.
"Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned," stated UEFA on its website.
Sweden's football association confirmed that Belgian police advised supporters to stay in the arena for safety. “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” a post from the Belgian national team read on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Two Swedish nationals were fatally shot by an unidentified suspect, an incident referred to as 'terrorism' by the Belgian prime minister. Reports indicated that the victims were wearing Sweden national team jerseys. Their Prime Minister also shared a special message.
Belgium, having already secured qualification for the 2024 tournament, drew level 1-1 with Sweden at the time of the match's suspension. Romelu Lukaku had equalised with a penalty after Viktor Gyokeres scored for Sweden.
Reports suggested that the Swedish players were unwilling to continue the game after learning of the attack.
In another Group F match, Austria secured their spot in the 2024 finals with a 1-0 victory over Azerbaijan, thanks to a penalty by Marcel Sabitzer.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal crushed Bosnia and Herzegovina 5-0, maintaining their flawless record in Group J. Portugal clinched first place with two games to spare, scoring 32 goals and conceding only twice in the group.
Meanwhile, Slovakia solidified their hold on second place with a 1-0 win over Luxembourg, Iceland stayed in contention in their group with a 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein, including two goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson.
In Group B, Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time penalty secured a crucial 1-0 win for the Netherlands over Greece, putting them level on points with Greece in second place. Brighton's 18-year-old star Evan Ferguson was among the scorers as the Republic of Ireland defeated Gibraltar 4-0 in Portugal.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Mohammad Yousuf 'left shocked' by Wasim Akram after he fails to question Shoaib Malik's 'Babar should quit captaincy' statement
World Cup: 'They do not have fitness tests' — Wasim Akram makes massive claim after Pakistan's demoralising loss to India
Watch: After big loss to India, Babar Azam's Pakistan go out for team dinner in Bengaluru during long break
