Romelu Lukaku's Marvelous Solo Goal Should Get More People on the Crowded Belgium World Cup Bandwagon

Romelu Lukaku scored 15 goals in the Premier League on-loan from Chelsea at Everton this year. Were any of those tallies as spectacular as the one he notched in a pre-World Cup tuneup against Benelux cousin Luxembourg to cap a hat trick over the weekend?

Before anwering that, that’s remember that nobody in the Premier League — even relegated Cardiff City — was as woeful defending at these hapless (likely semi-pro) Luxembourgers. Not even Paul Scholes in his prime is going to lunge in that wildly at the top of the penalty area.

Regardless of the opposition, that’s a quality finish from the Belgian striker. Belgium — the consensus surprise/darkhorse team ahead of the of the tournament — will need Lukaku at his best since he’s the only experienced pure striker on the roster for Brazil after Christian Benteke injured himself. Without Lukaku all Belgium have to turn to is 19-year-old Divock Origi, who has one cap to his name.

A goal like this impresses about everyone on the planet except for one man: Jose Mourinho.

The Chelsea boss doesn’t rate Lukaku and is set to bring Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid to Stamford Bridge. Where Lukaku ends up will be fascinating. If he shines at the World Cup, Everton — which would love to retain him — won’t be able to afford to bring him aboard full time.