Imperious Belgium thrash Tunisia

Belgium were rampant as they destroyed Tunisia 5-2 in a hopelessly one-sided clash in England's World Cup Group G.

Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were simply unplayable at times as the duo combined for four goals inside the opening hour.

With less than five minutes on the clock, Hazard was brought down by Syam Ben Youssef. VAR confirmed the incident took place inside the box before the Chelsea star converted the 13th penalty of the tournament.

Roberto Martinez’s side doubled their advantage when Dries Mertens seized on a loose Tunisian pass to put the ball in Lukaku’s path. The Belgian all-time top scorer needed only one touch to slot low past Farouk Ben Mustapha. But Tunisia pulled one back when Wahbi Khazri’s free kick was headed in by Dylan Bronn.

Shortly before the break, Thomas Meunier’s superb through-ball gifted Lukaku his fourth goal of the tournament, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's tally. Hazard then earned his second of the afternoon when Kevin De Bruyne launched a long ball forward, which the captain duly collected and steered past the goalkeeper. He has been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 21 international appearances.

Substitute Michy Batshuayi, who replaced Lukaku, created several late chances as the tiring African side struggled to cope with the Belgian threat. The Dortmund forward was rewarded for his persistence with a half-volley strike in the dying minutes, set up by a superb cross from Youri Tielemans.

Belgium’s victory ensures England will need only a draw against Panama to ensure progress to the knockout rounds.

Are Belgium a serious World Cup contender? - The Red Devils showed flashes of their brilliant best in this game, with Romelu Lukaku shining as the talisman. With Germany, France, Spain and Argentina all suffering relatively slow starts, the stage seems clear for Belgium to make a deep run. They will, however, need to address some defensive frailty.

Romelu Lukaku - Eden Hazard put in an exquisite performance, but Lukaku was faultless in Moscow. Belgium will be hoping the knock to his right ankle was not too serious.

Belgium Courtois 6, Alderweireld 7, Boyata 7, Vertonghen 7, Meunier 7, Witsel 7, De Bruyne 8, Carrasco 8, Mertens 8, Hazard 9, Lukaku 9. Subs: Fellaini 6, Batshuayi 6.

Tunisia - Mustapha 6, Youssef S 5, Meriah 6, Bronn 7, Maaloul 5, Badrid 5, Sassi 6, Shkhiri 6, Khaoui 6, Youssef F 6, Khazri 7. Subs: Sliti 6, Benalouane 6, Nagguez 6.

6 - GOAL! Hazard places his spot kick low to the goalkeeper's right side. The stadium erupts!

17 - GOAL! Belgium break when Mertens siezes a loose Tunisian pass on the half-way line. He feeds Lukaku on the edge of the box and the Manchester United striker hits a first-time shot low into the right corner!

18 - GOAL! Tunisia respond straight away! Khazri's free kick from the left edge of the area is headed past Courtois by Dylan Bronn!

45+3’ - GOAL! Meunier picks up a loose Tunisian pass, darts to the edge of the D and plays a wonderful ball through to Lukaku to slice the Tunisia defence in half. Lukaku makes no mistake to slot home!

51’ - GOAL! A long ball comes forward for Hazard, who gets ahead of the last defender and dinks the ball past the 'keeper to slot into an empty net!

90 - GOAL! Batshuayi finally gets his goal! Tielemans plays a delightful cross from the left to the back post, where the Dortmund man is waiting to slot in a half-volley!

Romelu Lukaku has now scored seven major tournament goals - more than any other Belgian player.

Hazard’s penalty was the 13th awarded at this World Cup, after 27 games. In 2014, only 13 were awarded in the entire tournament.

None of the opening 27 games of the tournament have ended goalless - a World Cup record.