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Lukaku double dents Republic's prospects

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Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium recorded their first win at Euro 2016 and damaged the Republic of Ireland’s chances of reaching the last 16.

After a goalless opening half, Lukaku scored the Belgians’ first goal at the tournament with a neat finish from the edge of the area.

Axel Witsel headed in a second in the 61st minute, before Lukaku sidefooted home after a quick counter.

The Republic did not force goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a single save.

Relive Belgium’s win over the Republic of Ireland

It means Martin O’Neill’s side, who are bottom of their section with one point, will probably have to beat Italy in their final Group E game on Wednesday.

Belgium, meanwhile, are second on three points and next face Sweden.

It was a disappointing performance from the Republic after a promising display in their opening fixture, when they drew 1-1 with Sweden.

Shane Long, operating as a sole striker, found himself isolated for long periods, with the Republic seemingly playing for a draw.

Belgians back to their best?

Emile Mpenza<!–

Belgium boast a wealth of individual talent and had topped the Fifa rankings within the last year, making them one of the favourites to go far in France.

However, they looked anything but like a team capable of winning the tournament against Italy, against whom they lost 2-0 on Monday.

The Belgians lacked fluidity and a sense of unity. As goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois put it: Tactically, technically and organisationally, they came up short.

It was a different story against the Republic.

They dominated possession throughout, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne proving much more effective at stretching their opponent’s defence than they were against the Italians. Both finished with an assist each.

The win means they are in a strong position to finish second in the group and, while they will face opponents much more attack-minded than the Republic, the victory will undoubtedly boost a side that had appeared lacking in confidence at the start of the tournament.

More to follow.

Line-ups

Belgium

  • 1Courtois
  • 16Meunier
  • 2Alderweireld
  • 3VermaelenBooked at 49mins
  • 5Vertonghen
  • 6Witsel
  • 19DembéléSubstituted forNainggolanat 57′minutes
  • 11CarrascoSubstituted forMertensat 64′minutes
  • 7De Bruyne
  • 10Hazard
  • 9R LukakuSubstituted forBentekeat 82′minutes

Substitutes

  • 4Nainggolan
  • 8Fellaini
  • 12Mignolet
  • 13Gillet
  • 14Mertens
  • 15Denayer
  • 17Origi
  • 18Kabasele
  • 20Benteke
  • 21J Lukaku
  • 22Batshuayi
  • 23Ciman

R. of Ireland

  • 23Randolph
  • 2Coleman
  • 4O’Shea
  • 3Clark
  • 17Ward
  • 13HendrickBooked at 42mins
  • 6Whelan
  • 8McCarthySubstituted forMcCleanat 62′minutes
  • 19Brady
  • 20HoolahanSubstituted forMcGeadyat 71′minutes
  • 9LongSubstituted forKeaneat 79′minutes

Substitutes

  • 1Westwood
  • 5Keogh
  • 7McGeady
  • 10Keane
  • 11McClean
  • 12Duffy
  • 14Walters
  • 15Christie
  • 16Given
  • 18Meyler
  • 21Murphy
  • 22Quinn
Referee:
Cüneyt Çakir

Match Stats

Home TeamBelgiumAway TeamR. of Ireland
Possession
Home57%
Away43%
Shots
Home17
Away10
Shots on Target
Home7
Away0
Corners
Home5
Away4
Fouls
Home8
Away10

Live Text

Match ends, Belgium 3, Republic of Ireland 0.

Full Time

Second Half ends, Belgium 3, Republic of Ireland 0.

Attempt missed. Aiden McGeady (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Robbie Brady with a cross.

Eden Hazard (Belgium) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Seamus Coleman (Republic of Ireland).

Attempt blocked. Jeff Hendrick (Republic of Ireland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Robbie Keane.

Attempt missed. Stephen Ward (Republic of Ireland) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Seamus Coleman with a cross.

Attempt missed. James McClean (Republic of Ireland) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right from a direct free kick.

Foul by Radja Nainggolan (Belgium).

Robbie Keane (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

Attempt saved. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Axel Witsel.

Substitution

Substitution, Belgium. Christian Benteke replaces Romelu Lukaku.

Attempt blocked. Robbie Brady (Republic of Ireland) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Jeff Hendrick.

Attempt missed. Dries Mertens (Belgium) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner.

Attempt missed. James McClean (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Robbie Keane.

Substitution

Substitution, Republic of Ireland. Robbie Keane replaces Shane Long.

Corner, Republic of Ireland. Conceded by Jan Vertonghen.

Attempt missed. Dries Mertens (Belgium) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Romelu Lukaku.

Substitution

Substitution, Republic of Ireland. Aiden McGeady replaces Wes Hoolahan.

Goal!

Goal! Belgium 3, Republic of Ireland 0. Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Eden Hazard following a fast break.

Attempt missed. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Dries Mertens.

Eden Hazard (Belgium) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Foul by Wes Hoolahan (Republic of Ireland).

Attempt blocked. Dries Mertens (Belgium) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Kevin De Bruyne.

Substitution

Substitution, Belgium. Dries Mertens replaces Yannick Carrasco because of an injury.

Attempt missed. Robbie Brady (Republic of Ireland) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Assisted by Glenn Whelan.

Substitution

Substitution, Republic of Ireland. James McClean replaces James McCarthy.

Goal!

Goal! Belgium 2, Republic of Ireland 0. Axel Witsel (Belgium) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Thomas Meunier with a cross.

Attempt blocked. Robbie Brady (Republic of Ireland) left footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked.

Substitution

Substitution, Belgium. Radja Nainggolan replaces Mousa Dembélé because of an injury.

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

Delay in match Mousa Dembélé (Belgium) because of an injury.

Attempt saved. Axel Witsel (Belgium) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Eden Hazard.

Foul by Yannick Carrasco (Belgium).

Shane Long (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Corner, Republic of Ireland. Conceded by Mousa Dembélé.

Attempt blocked. Glenn Whelan (Republic of Ireland) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Robbie Brady.

Booking

Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium) is shown the yellow card.

Foul by Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium).

Shane Long (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

goal

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