Belgium bulldozed Republic of Ireland to record their first win of the UEFA Euro 2016 at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux. In the Group E encounter, the Red Devils bounced back from their opening day 2-0 defeat at the hands of Italy to record a 3-0 win over Martin O’Neill’s side.
Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring for Mark Wilmots’ side in the 48th minute, before Axel Witsel doubled his side’s lead in the 61st minute. Lukaku grabbed his second to complete the rout in the 70th minute and silence his critics after his dismal performance in the tournament opener.
Here is how the players fared during the game:
Belgium
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Chelsea shot-stopper didn’t have much to do for the entire game and was good with his distribution.
Thomas Meunier – 7/10
Had a solid game at right-back having replaced Laurent Ciman in the side. Proved to be an outlet in attack and provided the assist for Axel Witsel’s goal.
Toby Alderweireld – 6/10
The Tottenham Hotspur man read the game expertly and did not put a foot wrong, helping his side keep the clean sheet.
Thomas Vermaelen – 6/10
The Barcelona defender enjoyed an easy outing as the Republic of Ireland players hardly threatened. But the 30-year-old was lucky to escape a red for his high boot on Shane Long.
Jan Vertonghen – 5.5/10
Didn’t have much to do in terms of defending but helped add width to Belgium’s attack and provided some teasing crosses.
Axel Witsel – 7.5/10
Shielded the back four with his excellent reading of the game and scored his side’s second goal with a sumptuous header.
Mousa Dembélé – 6.5/10
Excelled alongside Witsel in midfield helping the Red Devils dominate in the middle, before he was forced off due to injury.
Yannick Carrasco – 6.5/10
Justified his selection ahead of Fellaini as he was a constant threat with the ball at this feet. Was replaced by Mertens after he picked up a knock.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8/10
The Manchester City playmaker was the creator-in-chief for his side and played some brilliant through balls to his teammates. After a dismal showing in the first game, De Bruyne made amends this time around. He was brilliant in Belgium’s first goal, as he escaped a challenge before finding Lukaku with an inch-perfect ball.
Eden Hazard – 6.5/10
Despite bagging the assist for Lukaku’s second goal of the game, the Chelsea playmaker didn’t have the best of games as he struggled to assert himself on the Republic of Ireland players and even spurned a couple of chances
Romelu Lukaku – 8.5/10
After a dismal opening game against Italy, the Everton man silenced his critics by scoring a brace. Produced a stunning finish to break the deadlock before showing great composure to slot home Hazard’s cut back into an open net.
Substitutes
Radja Nainggolan – 6/10
Came on to replace the injured Dembele in the 57th minute and didn’t not put a foot wrong as he and Witsel marshalled the midfield.
Dries Mertens – N/A
Replaced Carrasco in the 64th minute but didn’t have a telling impact on the game.
Christian Benteke – N/A
Came on for Lukaku for the last 10 minutes of the game.
Republic of Ireland
Darren Randolph – 6.5/10
Couldn’t do much about the three goals and made some important saves to keep the scoreline respectable. His save to deny Carrasco was outstanding.
Seamus Coleman – 5.5/10
The Everton man was handed the tough task of nullifying the threat of Eden Hazard and the 27-year-old did a decent job for most parts of the game. However, he couldn’t offer much in terms of attacking threat.
John O'Shea – 5/10
Was partly at fault for Lukaku’s opener, but apart from that was strong and commanding and nullified the aerial threat of the burly striker.
Ciaran Clark – 4/10
Endured a nightmare of a game in the heart of Republic of Ireland’s defence. Made a horrendous tackle on Hazard in the build up to the third goal.
Stephen Ward – 4.5/10
Hardly contributed in attack as he was kept busy by the Belgian attackers. The delivery for all the three goals came from his side as he received little support from Brady.
Jeff Hendrick – 5.5/10
The 24-year-old put in a good shift and tried to have a positive impact on the game but didn’t have enough quality to cause significant trouble for the Red Devils’ defence.
James McCarthy – 5.5/10
The Everton midfielder was vigilant with his ball distribution, but lost Witsel when the Belgian headed home. Was replaced by McClean in the 62nd minute.
Glenn Whelan – 6/10
Was assured with the ball at his feet and tried to orchestrate attacks from midfield but failed in making a telling impact.
Robbie Brady – 3/10
Endured a forgettable afternoon and failed to provide the support for Ward on the left flank. The Norwich City winger was partly responsible for all the goals that his side conceded.
Wes Hoolahan – 4.5/10
After an impressive game against Sweden, the 34-year-old failed to have a significant impact on the game as the Irish were starved of possession.
Shane Long – 5.5/10
Was kept subdued by the Belgian centre-halves for the entire game. Although he did threaten with his pace, but failed to force Courtois into making a decisive save.
Substitutes
James McClean – 4.5/10
Came on to replace McCarthy in the 62nd minute and was at fault for the third goal as he lost possession, which lead to Belgium’s counter.
Aiden McGeady – N/A
Replaced Hoolahan with 20 minutes to go, but his side were left chasing the ball for the remainder of the match.
Robbie Keane – N/A
Replaced Shane Long in the 79th minute as the Green Army looked towards the veteran for some inspiration, but he failed to trouble the Belgian defence.
