Belgium became the second side to score three goals in EURO 2016 as they shattered irish hopes in an electric second half.
Two goals from Romelu Lukaku surrounded an Axel Witsel header in a devastating 23 minutes spell after half time gave the Red Devils a well deserved win. The move to second in the group with three points behind Italy who have six. Ireland and Sweden have one each.
Belgium went into this match on the back of that 2-0 defeat by Italy that shattered their self confidence. The Irish Republic had drawn 1-1 with Sweden.
Jon Walters was missing due to his achilles for the Re public of Ireland. Burnley’s Stephen Ward replaced him, so Robbie Brady was pushed further up the pitch should Ireland have attacking possession.
Belgium made three changes to the side that lost to Italy. Thomas Meunier comes in for Laurent Ciman at right-back, Mousa Dembele for Radja Nainggolan in midfield and Yannick Carrasco for Marouane Fellaini.
Belgium had 64% of first half possession but no shots on target with keeper Darren Randolph mostly happy to watch the men in front of him clean up.
Two minutes into the second half, the game and Belgium finally exploded into action with a Romelu Lukaku goal. Kevin de Bruyn passed Ward before feeding Lukaku on the edge of the box. The Belgian steadied himself before finding Randolph’s bottom corner.
Republic had to come out but 14 minutes later, their plight was deepened. Bruge’s Thomas Meunier put in a superb cross from he right into the box where Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel headed home.
Belgium were oozing class and a third goal was not long in coming. This time Eden Hazard the provided for Lukaka.
After Italy’s win over Sweden yesterday, Italy lead the group by some margin. But it is Belgium who have sent out a big warning to Spain and Germany with this performance.
Belgium XI: Courtois, Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Witsel, Dembele, De Bruyne, Hazard, Carrasco, R. Lukaku
Republic of Ireland XI: Randolph, Coleman, O’Shea, Clark, Ward, Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy, Hoolahan, Brady, Long
