Belgium v Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier abandoned after Brussels shooting

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden was stopped after half-time and eventually cancelled after two Swedes were shot dead in Brussels last night.

The alert level for potential terrorist activity in Belgium has been increased to its highest point. This was in response to a man who posted a video on social media where he claimed to be linked with the Islamic State and responsible for the attack.

Uefa has announced that the qualifying match for Uefa Euro 2024 between Belgium and Sweden has been cancelled due to a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels. The decision was made in collaboration with the two teams and local police authorities.

According to Swedish journalists who were present at the match, they received news of the assault just before the national anthems were sung. After being notified of the incident, both teams informed Uefa that they did not wish to continue with the second half. The score at the time was tied at 1-1 with Sweden having secured the lead with a goal from Viktor Gyökeres in the 15th minute, which was later equalised by Romelu Lukaku.

The coach of the Swedish team, Janne Andersson, affirmed that all the players were in complete agreement that they did not want to continue the game, as a way to show respect to the victims and their loved ones.

After hearing that the game has been delayed, the Swedish fans were requested to stay inside the stadium. "Efforts are being made to guarantee the protected departure of supporters out of the stadium," said Crisis Centre Belgium in a post on the social media platform, X. "The fans will be updated at the stadium. Please comply with the guidelines given by the emergency personnel."

It has been stated that the two individuals who were killed were donning Sweden tops at the time of the shooting.

Pernilla Califf, a fan from Sweden, expressed her utter surprise about something that has happened. She shared her confusion with the Aftonbladet newspaper. According to her, the situation is so bewildering that nobody has a clue about what's going on. As a result, people are opting to remove their Swedish shirts and wear something neutral instead. Pernilla finds this change quite uncomfortable and not at all pleasant.

Belgium has confirmed their spot for the finals in Germany next year. Additionally, Austria's triumphant 1-0 victory against Azerbaijan had established that Sweden would not be qualifying for the tournament.

Belgium's leader, Alexander De Croo, verified that the individuals who were shot on Boulevard d'Ypres are from Sweden.

He wrote on social media that he sends his sincerest sympathies to the families of the victimized Swedes after the terrible attack that occurred in Brussels. He also paid his respects to the Swedish Prime Minister. The battle against terrorism is both of their responsibility. It is a tragic event and their thoughts lie with the loved ones of those who lost their lives.

UEFA stated that they will be releasing an additional statement at a later time.