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Belgium started their Euro 2020 campaign on a resounding note with a 3-0 thumping of Group B rivals Russia at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg.
Romelu Lukaku scored a brace either side of a goal from substitute Thomas Meunier as the Red Devils blew their hosts aside.
The biggest surprise of the 2018 World Cup showpiece, Stanislav Cherchesov's side looked very different from their older selves. They lacked attacking flair and defensively were all over the place too.
In fact, it was a mix-up in the defense that allowed Lukaku to score the opener. Following that goal, Meunier made the most of a gift from goalkeeper Anton Shunin, whose clearance fell straight to the Borussia Dortmund star.
The second-half was a more cagey affair, with the Red Devils losing some of their steam. But even then Lukaku managed to find a third goal just two minutes into stoppage-time after being released by Muenier.
Belgium sit top of Group B after the first round of games with three points, followed by debutants Finland. The latter won earlier in the day against a distraught Denmark following the loss of Christian Eriksen to a grievous medical emergency.
Here are the five main talking points from the match.
#1 Belgium pounce on Russia's mistakes
Belgium were the stronger team on paper and the favorites to win the clash too. So it was no surprise to see them come flying out of the blocks from the word go and push Russia on the backfoot. However, some lapses in the home side's defense made their task easier.
Dries Mertens put in a cross which Andrey Semenov failed to intercept after he couldn't sort his feet out. That allowed Lukaku to pounce on the loose ball and fire into the bottom corner. Not long after that, Shunin pushed Thorgan Hazard's cross straight to Meunier, who then lashed home Belgium's second of the night.
The 'away' team were two for good at half-time and the match was seemingly over already.
#2 Russia have declined since their fairytale World Cup run
Russia surpassed everyone's expectations on home soil at the 2018 World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals and causing some major upsets along the way. But if tonight's match is anything to go by, then it looks like the National Team have lost some of that sheen and considerably declined.
Contrary to their fast-moving and breath-taking counter-attacking style from three years ago, Russia were painfully prosaic offensively. After two notable periods of high-pressing in the second-half, they failed to get the ball forward to their strikers. Russia's counter-attack plan was also completely disjointed. Belgium managed to hook the ball off them with the slightest hint of it, nipping their counter-attack in the bud.
We've also already discussed Russia's defensive lapses above, only adding more insult to injury. Cherchesov will demand more from his players ahead of their next game against Finland.
#3 Lukaku has transformed into a beast
Seems like Romelu Lukaku's move to Inter Milan has done him a world of good. After seeing his career hit a crossroads at Manchester United, the striker joined the Serie A outfit in 2019. Lukaku has gone hell for leather ever since, transforming into a complete forward under Antonio Conte.
It was reflected in tonight's match too, at least in the first-half. Lukaku was unbeatable on the ball, showing excellent hold-up play and linking up with fine precision. His finish for both goals was straight out of the top drawer too as the 29-year-old tore Russia asunder.
A resounding start to the Euros for the Belgium star, who can guide the Red Devils deep into the competition on this form.
#4 Both teams dealt with injury concerns
Belgium and Russia both saw players trudge off the pitch with injuries, giving them cause for concern so early on in the championship.
Timothy Castagne was the first casualty of the night following a clash of heads with Delar Kuzyayev, who later joined him on the sidelines. But there was another blow for the Red Devils in the second-half. Jan Vertonghen had to come off with pain in his ankle after picking up an injury earlier.
Both Roberto Martinez and his Russian counterpart Cherchesov have been given selection worries ahead of their second game.
#5 Belgium take their foot off the gas in the second-half
Having taken a commanding 2-0 lead by half-time, the Red Devils slowed down their tempo after the break. They did have a few close calls here and there.
Eden Hazard and Carrasco, in particular, wreaked havoc down the left flank. They put the ball forward and stretched out Russia's defense, albeit to little success until Lukaku's late strike.
But despite losing most of the first-half momentum, Belgium had little trouble dealing with Russia. The latter couldn't hold on to the ball much due to the former's high press and executed poor set-pieces too.
The scoreline was a perfect reflection of the away side's dominance and they have laid down an early marker in a tournament they're considered one of the favorites to win.
