Under-fire Lukaku redeems himself
Belgium 3
Rep of Ireland 0
Finally, Europe's top-ranked team flexed their muscles.
With a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland at the Matmut Atlantique tonight, Belgium announced their title intent.
They have warmed up to the task, and they are back on track.
Few expected it would be Romelu Lukaku to get the Red Devils going.
He fired in a brace, including the opening goal, with Belgium's other goal coming from Axel Witsel.
Lukaku had came under intense criticism following a shambolic performance in Belgium's 2-0 defeat by Italy in their opening Euro 2016 match.
His place in the starting line-up for yesterday's game was thrown into doubt, after his coach Marc Wilmots hinted that he wanted to see a higher work-rate from him.
Wilmots certainly didn't hesitate to chop and change his team after that disaster in Lyon earlier in the week.
He ditched right back Laurent Ciman and midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Radja Nainggolan, all of whom put in mediocre shifts against the Italians.
In came Thomas Meunier, Mousa Dembele and Yannick Carrasco.
But Lukaku kept his place, and repaid the faith.
Wilmots also deserves credit for an excellent tactical decision.
Kevin de Bruyne, deployed on the wing on the previous occasion, took up a central role just behind Lukaku.
The adjustment had the desired impact, with the Manchester City attacker central to Belgium's many offensive moves, including the assist for the opening goal.
Ireland were lucky to go into the half-time break with their goal still intact, but their stubborn resistance lasted less than three minutes into the second half.
Lukaku bent an excellent shot into the bottom left corner of the net to give his side the advantage.
Just after the hour mark, Witsel headed the Red Devils into a 2-0 lead.
Lukaku then had the honour of sealing the win with a cool finish 20 minutes from time.
The win propelled Belgium into second place in the Group of Death.
Avoid defeat by Sweden in their final group match, and they secure a place in the Round of 16.
Belgium are back in business, and so is Lukaku.
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