Belgium Mix-Up As Boyata Plays In Batshuayi Jersey Against Russia
Confusion reigned at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg on Saturday in the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying game between Russia and Belgium when the visitors’ defender Dedryck Boyata mistakenly appeared in teammate Michy Batshuayi’s jersey for a significant portion of the game.
Belgium emerged victorious on the day with two goals from Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku sealing a comfortable 4-1 win over last year’s World Cup hosts.
But the most eagle-eyed of spectators inside the 68,000 capacity stadium looked startled when former Manchester City and Celtic defender Boyata began the game in the jersey of teammate Batshuayi, who was on the bench.
The 28-year-old Hertha Berlin defender started in a three-man defense alongside Toby Alderweireld and Thomas Vermaelen, and was seen in his right number 4 shorts but his top bore the number 23 shirt of Batshuayi.
The error was rectified later on in the game as Boyata appeared in the right apparel for the second half with Batshuayi coming on as a late substitute for Lukaku.
Batshuayi saw the funny side of the mix-up and offered a hilarious reaction to the incident after the game.
The Chelsea striker wrote on Instagram: 'Happy to have realised this kid's dream yesterday', alongside a picture of Boyata in the wrong outfit.
The win ensured Belgium, who have already qualified for next year’s tournament, maintained their flawless qualifying campaign with nine wins from nine while Russia have also picked the remaining automatic qualifying spot in Group I by finishing in second place.
Belgium round up their campaign with a home game against Cyprus on Tuesday while Russia travel to San Marino.
