Romelu Lukaku struck twice during the second-half to finally get Belgium’s Euro 2016 campaign up and running as they ran out 3-0 winners against the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux.
The forward struck either side of Axel Witsel’s header as the Belgians got their first three points on the board in Group E.
It was the case that their talent shone through during the game, they had too much quality for Ireland, who failed to have a shot on goal through the 90 minutes.
They need just a point against Sweden on Wednesday to claim second place in the group, but who was Belgium’s star players? Check out our ratings and let us know what you think.
First clean-sheet at the Euros for 18 years
Thibaut Courtois (7 out of 10) – Never really troubled in the game, didn’t have a save to make, but his presence was there throughout.
Thomas Meunier (7 out of 10) – One of the changes made by Wilmots, and he managed to get forward and provide an attacking threat all game, assisted the second goal.
Toby Alderweireld (7 out of 10) – The centre-half has become one of the best defenders for Belgium, and the world, and managed to read the game well.
Thomas Vermaelen (6 out of 10) – Not troubled too much through the game, and was lucky not to give away a penalty for a high foot on Shane Long.
Jan Vertonghen (6 out of 10) – Picked up a booking in the game, but was careful after, Hoolahan looked to cause him problems on his side of the pitch.
Solid performance in the midfield
Axel Witsel (7 out of 10) – Starting to become one of the star players of the Belgium team now, scored the second goal, in which he lost his man and headed home with ease.
Moussa Dembele (7 out of 10) – Brought into the side in place of Fellaini, and looked to be doing a good job until he was forced off through injury.
De Bruyne and Lukaku stand out
Yannick Carrasco (7 out of 10) – Another player that was brought in from the side that lost against Italy, and he was causing problems until he picked up a knock.
Kevin De Bruyne (9 out of 10) – The man of the match by a long shot, every attack seemed to revolve around the City man and his quality shone through against the Irish.
Eden Hazard (7 out of 10) – After a quiet first half, the captain managed to inject some much-needed drive into the side, and he provided the assist for the third goal.
Romelu Lukaku (8 out of 10) – Showed brilliant prowess for the opening goal, a sublime finish, and his second wasn’t too bad either, after a disappointing opening game, he didn’t let his country down.
Substitutes impactful
Dries Mertens (6 out of 10) – Was unlucky not to get a start, but came on for Carrasco on 63 minutes and looked lively.
Radja Nainggolan (6 out of 10) – Replaced Dembele on 56 minutes and carried on where he left off in the game.
Christian Benteke (6 out of 10) – The forward came on for Lukaku with eight minutes to go, but the game was done and dusted by that stage.