Romelu Lukaku added third goal for Belgium against Ireland in the 70th minute. It was Witsel’s first goal in a Belgian jersey in nearly two years. Hazard had options to chose from in the middle.
Advertisement
The Euro 2016 Group E clash in Bordeaux saw Romelu Lukaku, the Blues top scorer for the past three seasons, net twice while midfielder Axel Witsel who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park this week also nodded in.
Ranked no. 2 in the world by Federation Internationale de Football Association and backed by many to go on and win the tournament, Marc Wilmots’ side flattered to deceive in its opener against Italy, putting in a limp display on its way to a 2-0 defeat.
In the 24-team format that’s being used at Euro 2016 for the first time, some third-placed group teams will qualify for the round of 16.
“Today the whole team played really well, which was really needed for us after a hard week”, Witsel said.
Nothing summed up Ireland’s frustration on Saturday quite like the sight of Shane Long slapping his thighs in exasperation after another long ball was lumped in his general direction and cleaned up by Belgium.
The Red Devils were wasteful in front of goal in the Group E match.
After a cautious start to the contest, the first chance of the game eventually arrived in the 13th minute, Toby Alderweireld glancing a headed effort wide of the mark following De Bruyne’s inviting cross into the danger area.
The breakthrough however came for them three minutes after the break when Everton forward Lukaku who was widely criticised for his insipid display in his side’s opening fixture against Sweden scored the opener.
Having wasted a series of chances in the first half, Belgium – one of the favorites to win the European Championship – started the second half strongly and it wasn’t long before the team went ahead.
Witsel doubled the score for Belgium on the 61st minute when he went past McCarthy, who was unaware of his presence, and sent a thumping header past Randolph on the end of Meunier’s cross.
John O’Shea conceded that the Republic of Ireland contributed to their own downfall against Belgium.
Given Belgium’s ranking in the world – only Argentina is above them – and the ludicrously talented group of players at his disposal, Wilmots will look to maintain the momentum gained from this win in their final group game against Sweden.
Advertisement
Despite the disappointing result, if they can defend with the same tenacity tonight, they are more than capable of keeping Belgium goalless – something they’ll likely have to do if they are to walk away from the game with anything meaningful.
