Lukaku opened the scoring in the 48th minute from a quick counterattack that owed much to Kevin De Bruyne’s burst down the right flank.
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The lead was doubled 13 minutes later when right-back Thomas Meunier’s cross was headed in by Axel Witsel. Twenty-three-year-old Lukaku broke the deadlock following a counterattack in the 47th minute.
Having produced an impressive performance during the 1-1 draw with Sweden in their Group E opener, the Irish were unable to cope with an incisive Belgium frontline, who sealed a 3-0 win during a rampant counter-attacking display.
To their credit Ireland persisted in their efforts to break down the Belgian defence, but failed to force a save out of keeper Thibaut Courtois. Their fullbacks were advancing up the pitch and defensive midfielder Axel Witsel was nearly playing in a number 10 role behind the striker – reflecting the one-way traffic.
The result was a fair illustration of Belgium’s dominance in the match.
“We’ve lost to a quality side but we didn’t help ourselves in terms of the way we’ve conceded the goals”, he added.
Witsel, who was named man of the match, said the team knew that things would get easier once the first goal had gone in.
“I don’t think that can be my attitude going into the game and it shouldn’t be the players’ either”, said O’Neill.
“They ve been fantastic, but we have to take the positives from the first half and Sweden, and with a bit more discipline and control we can get something against Italy”.
Ireland became only the second team so far at this year’s finals to lose by more than two goals, after Turkey’s 3-0 loss to holders Spain on Friday, and must beat group winners Italy on Wednesday to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16. “We have to try to rectify that in a few days’ time”.
“I don’t think it’ll be hard to raise them”, he said.
“We have great players and have done well”.
Lukaku played a huge role in answering any questions over Belgium’s Euro 2016 credentials with his two goals.
Belgium took their foot off the gas for the remaining 20 minutes of the game, while Ireland never really threatened.
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The team to win this group will get Spain or Croatia; the team who finishes second will get Portugal, Austria, Hungary or Iceland. Today we were too nervous, we give the ball away too readily. The result was not pretty – Ciman was in part responsible for the first goal Italy scored, while the Belgian attack looked stifled despite all of their big-name players.
