In the blink of an eye, while several Irish players were still remonstrating with referee Cüneyt Çakir, Belgium counter-attacked through Kevin De Bruyne.
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Two goals from Romelu Lukaku and a header from Axel Witsel have Belgium a comfortable 3-0 win over a wretched Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux on Saturday.
Two De Bruyne set-pieces caused problems inside the Ireland box – Toby Alderweireld glancing a corner wide before a risky free-kick flashed across the face of goal.
Ireland, conversely, went into the game in relatively high spirits.
Ireland will have to pick themselves up and defeat Italy on Wednesday if they hope to avoid first round elimination from the European Championships after being well beaten by Belgium in Bordeaux in their second outing of the tournament.
The Manchester City star’s piercing run bypassed the entire opposition midfield, before setting up Lukaku who curled the ball brilliantly past Darren Randolph’s despairing dive.
Ireland’s outfield ten were working in overtime to keep a clean sheet, while Randolph got down well to keep out De Bruyne’s low drive.
The score was doubled in the 61st when Witsel sneaked into the box behind McCarthy, who was ball watching, and headed home a Thomas Meunier cross.
For their part, Ireland had only one effort on goal with keeper Thibaut Courtois helping Stephen Ward’s looping 19th-minute header on to the roof of his net.
Belgium took their foot off the gas for the remaining 20 minutes of the game, while Ireland never really threatened.
Belgium continued to look the more likely to take the lead as the interval approached and Alderweireld saw a header cleared off the line by Wes Hoolahan.
As diligent as Ireland’s efforts were, there can be no escaping the fact Martin O’Neill’s side offered nothing in attack, resorting to lumping hopeful balls towards Shane Long, a tactic the Belgian defence dealt with all too easily.
Belgium, meanwhile, need one point from their final group game against Sweden to secure a place in the round of 16.
Coach Marc Wilmots made three changes to the Belgium line-up that struggled against Italy, and they immediately appeared more vibrant and cohesive.
Ireland meets Italy, which has now won the group.
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“We have a game to win and we have to throw everything into it”, O’Neill said.
