Expectations were running high for Belgium to kick-start their tournament in this fixture, as they failed to live up to their potential in the opening game defeat against Italy. Questions were asked of the talented Red Devils and they rose to the occasion with an emphatic 3-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland.
The Belgians had the bulk of the possession throughout the first half, but Darren Randolph barely broke a sweat in goal due to Ireland’s diligent defending. The best chance of the half fell to Eden Hazard, who skied his attempt from 10 meters out.
Belgium finally made the breakthrough 3 minutes into the 2nd half with Kevin de Bruyne leading the counter-attack, before finding Romelu Lukaku just outside of the box. The left-footed striker only needed a touch as he clinically dispatched the ball past Randolph. Marc Wilmots’ side extended their lead in the 61st minute, courtesy of a free header by Axel Witsel. The Belgians maintained their stride and got a third goal with a simple finish by Lukaku, after a quick counter led by Hazard.
It was a fairly entertaining affair as Belgium collected their first points in the tournament, and here are the 3 most impressive players on the night.
Kevin de Bruyne
It was an instrumental display from the Belgian playmaker as he was involved in most of the attacking play, and his deliveries from dead ball situations were spot-on. He might have gotten only one assist, but he’ll be credited as the main driving force behind his side’s victory.
Romelu Lukaku
The Everton striker atoned for his poor showing in Belgium’s opening game by bagging a brace. His goals might seemed easy in the eye after most of the hard work were done by the likes of Hazard and de Bruyne, but his composure in the box shouldn’t be discounted by critics and fans alike.
Thomas Meunier
The young right-back might have make a name for himself in this match after a solid performance in defence, coupled with his involvement in the first 2 goals. Brady was mostly nullified by his effective back tracking, and Meunier wasn’t shy in going forward as his pin-point cross was headed in by Witsel.
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