So *this* is why so many people were tipping the Belgians to do big things at the Euros.
Painfully disappointing in their first match against Italy, at half-time in Bordeaux it seemed the Irish were in with a chance against Marc Wilmots’ men.
But after a blistering start to the second half, Belgium were out of sight and showing anyone who questioned why they were the highest ranked team in the tournament that they were a team to be reckoned with.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku put them ahead after the restart…
GOAL! #EFC striker Lukaku gives #BEL the lead with a lovely finish after good work from De Bruyne https://t.co/knFzdtShik
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2016
before an Axel Witsel header doubled the lead a few minutes later…
GOAL!! Witsel makes a late run into the box and heads a second for #BEL https://t.co/kyV3x23Irq
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2016
And with Ireland searching for a way back in to the game, Belgian finished the job with a blistering counter-attack. Helped by a mistimed tackle from Ciaran Clark, Eden Hazard scampered away down the left before squaring for Lukaku who rolled it into the net.
The game was up 20 minutes before full-time.
GOAL! Lukaku adds a clinical third for Belgium on the break. Game over #BEL #BELIRL #EURO2016 https://t.co/f7FxYkIVzy
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 18, 2016
Ireland will now face group winners Italy in Lille on Wednesday, knowing that a win is imperative if they’re to make the last 16.
