Euro 2016: Romelu Lukaku bags double as Belgium leave Ireland needing Italian job

Romelu Lukaku scored twice, either side of an Axel Witsel strike, as Belgium beat Republic of Ireland 3-0 in Bordeaux.

It was the perfect way for Marc Wilmots' side to respond after the head coach was on the receiving end of severe criticism from both his players and fans after their 2-0 defeat to Italy.

The deadlock was broken just three minutes after the restart when Lukaku finished off a deadly Belgium counter-attack when he curled the ball past Darren Randolph and into the bottom corner. Ireland may feel aggrieved as Shane Long was struck by a high foot in the penalty area just moments prior to the goal but the referee signalled play on.

The opening goal ignited Ireland into life and Martin O’Neill’s side finally began to exert some pressure on their opponents. However, they were dealt a hammer blow when Belgium doubled their lead on 61 minutes, Witsel meeting an inch-perfect cross from Thomas Meunier and heading into the corner of the net, leaving Ireland’s goalkeeper no chance.

Belgium were efficient on the break and they caught Ireland off-guard for the game’s third goal, which came on 70 minutes. Hazard escaped the challenge of Ciaran Clark and squared the ball to Lukaku, who slotted past the goalkeeper for his second of the afternoon.

The defeat leaves Ireland with little hope of progressing to the last-16 and they must now beat Italy in their final group game on Wednesday to have any chance. Meanwhile, a draw against Sweden could be enough to send Belgium through. Italy are confirmed as group winners.

Belgium came into this match under huge pressure after producing a lacklustre performance against Italy which culminated in goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois criticising his head coach for his tactics. That dig showed little sign of unity inside the Belgium camp but they produced a team effort to ease past Ireland. We may finally see Belgium unlock their full potential, now there is peace amongst the ranks.

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium): The dynamic playmaker ran the show from start to finish. He is undoubtedly Belgium’s key player.

Belgium: Courtois 6, Meunier 7, Alderweireld 7, Vermaelen 6, Vertonghen 6, Witsel 7, Dembélé 7, Carrasco 6, De Bruyne 8, Hazard 7, R Lukaku 8. Subs: Nainggolan 6, Mertens 6, Benteke 6.

Ireland: Randolph 6, Coleman 7, O'Shea 6, Clark 5, Ward 5, Hendrick 6, Whelan 6, McCarthy 5, Brady 6, Hoolahan 5, Long 5. Subs: McGeady 5, Keane 5, McClean 5.

12’ - CHANCE! Belgium force a corner, it's whipped in by De Bruyne who finds Alderweireld but the defender's glancing header is just wide.

21’ – CHANCE! A real let off for Ireland as Hazard sends a half volley over the bar from inside the penalty area. He should really hit the target from that kind of range.

30’ - WIDE! De Bruyne, who is absolutely running the show at the moment, picks out Meunier in space on the right, but the full-back's shot is ambitious and always going wide.

48’ – GOAL! Belgium 1-0 Ireland. De Bruyne carries the ball forward as Belgium launch a lightning-fast counter attack, he finds Lukaku in space and the Everton forward makes no mistake as he curls the ball around Randolph and into the bottom corner.

61’ – GOAL! Belgium 2-0 Ireland. Meunier delivers an inch-perfect cross to Witsel in space in the penalty area and he breaks Ireland hearts as he heads into the corner of the net.

70’ – GOAL! Belgium 3-0 Ireland. That is that, surely. It's another goal on the counter-attack as Hazard breezes past the challenge of Clark before squaring the ball to Lukaku who slides the ball past the goalkeeper.

Belgium have equalled their biggest win at a major tournament (Euros & World Cup), after a 3-0 win vs El Salvador in 1970.

Ireland failed to have a shot on target in a major tournament match for the first time since the 1994 World Cup (vs Norway).

Romelu Lukaku is the first Belgium player to score twice in a tournament match since Marc Wilmots himself in 1998 (v Mexico).

Axel Witsel has scored his first goal for Belgium since September 2014 v Australia, ending a wait of 653 days.

Kevin De Bruyne has had a hand in 10 goals in his last 10 international appearances for Belgium (5 goals, 5 assists).

Romelu Lukaku has scored in five of his last six games for Belgium.