Domenico Tedesco expects to see even more from his Belgium side, despite an impressive 3-0 victory over Sweden in his first game as head coach.

Romelu Lukaku's hat-trick in Friday's opening Euro 2024 qualifier ensured Tedesco, who took over from Roberto Martinez last month, got off to a flying start.

While pleased to have picked up victory in the Group F clash in Stockholm, former RB Leipzig boss Tedesco can see room for improvement after his first 90 minutes at the helm.

"I am satisfied with the team, because no victory is easy," Tedesco said. “But we started nervous here and lost some balls in situations where that should not have happened. 

"Yet we scored twice after two good counters with excellent flank play. After that, at 2-0 we performed less and I don't want that, but it's a process. 

"We can play even better football and we have to improve, but all in all I'm satisfied."

With the likes of Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld and Axel Witsel having retired from Belgium duty, some new faces and others previously on the fringes had a chance to impress.

Dodi Lukebakio assisted Lukaku's first two goals on what was just his third start and debutant Johan Bakayoko laid on the third after being introduced from the substitutes' bench.

Hertha Berlin winger Lukebakio caught the eye with his play down the right but, like head coach Tedesco, he also believes Belgium – who flopped at Qatar 2022 – can improve.

"This is just the beginning," he said. "It was important to get off to a good start in this qualifying campaign. We have shown what we can do, but we can perform even better. 

"We will have to improve game after game. On a personal level, with two assists, it couldn't have been much better for me today.

Belgium are back in action on Tuesday with a friendly against Germany in Cologne, while Sweden host Azerbaijan on Monday in their next qualifying match.

Hertha Berlin have requested three matches be postponed due to being forced into 14-day quarantine as a result of COVID-19 cases within the Bundesliga club.

Hertha have asked to delay scheduled fixtures against Mainz (April 18), Frieburg (April 21) and Schalke (April 24) after left-back Marvin Plattenhardt tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday. 

Head coach Pal Dardai, assistant coach Admir Hamzagic and striker Dodi Lukebakio had positive tests earlier in the day, prompting the German club to implement the two-week quarantine. 

Hertha initially had planned to play their matches during that period but the additional positive test to Plattenhardt prompted the plea to push them back.

"Due to the cases that have occurred, we are now forced to a 14-day quarantine at home," said sporting director Arne Friedrich, who took charge of training on Thursday with Dardai out.

"From a health point of view, this is absolutely the right step. because we now have to play six Bundesliga games by the end of the season on May 22, 2021 in the fight to stay relegated in May. 

"During the quarantine at home, the team will keep fit with virtual training units under the guidance of the coaching team. 

"We accept the situation despite the difficult circumstances and will throw everything in our power for a successful season finale into the balance."

There was no immediate response from the German Football League (DFL), which had announced new dates for several 2.Bundesliga matches that had been postponed due to coronavirus cases. 

Hertha sit just outside the relegation play-off place on goal difference ahead of fellow strugglers Arminia Bielefeld, while the capital club are three points clear of the automatic relegation positions with six games remaining.

 

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