Belgium 3-0 Russia: 5 talking points as Romelu Lukaku's brace fires Red Devils past beleaguered hosts | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Lukaku has transformed into a beast

Lukaku was on fire tonight for Belgium, netting twice!

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.

26 - Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 26 goals in his last 19 appearances for Belgium in all competitions, scoring 22 and assisting four. Phenomenal. #EURO2020 #BEL #RUS pic.twitter.com/euKRMLZZAV

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2021

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.

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#4 Both teams dealt with injury concerns

Castagne and Kuzyayev were involved in a brutal clash of heads

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.

Doctors fear that Timothy Castagne has broken his eye socket. He was subbed off after a collision. pic.twitter.com/Gr4NdZjH8H

— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) June 12, 2021

Both Roberto Martinez and his Russian counterpart Cherchesov have been given selection worries ahead of their second game.

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#5 Belgium take their foot off the gas in the second-half

Lukaku popped with a late third goal for Belgium

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.