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Belgium thrashed Tunisia by 5-2 in what would go down as one of the most exhilarating games of this and many World Cups to follow. Goals from Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, and super sub, Michy Batshuayi helped the cause.
Dylan Bronn and Wahbi Khazri scored in either halves to ensure the African side had something to cheer for. This successfully seals the Red Devils' berth in the Round of 16, with a healthy goal difference of 6.
Belgium started off proceedings with large vehemence, winning a free kick in the 20th second and carrying on from there. With three goals in the first-half, they were in the driving seat. A composed finish from the captain coupled with a brace from Romelu Lukaku meant that they sealed a ticket to the knockout stages early on.
Attempts from Axel Witsel, Hazard and Carrasco showed how threatening Belgium can be while darting forward.
On the other hand, Tunisia found themselves back in it when right back Dylan Bronn buried an accurate header to leave Courtois stranded. They had their own chances too, but couldn't grab all of them with authority due to some poor final touches.
Chances came in plenty for both sides, who looked positive and open-minded. Unfortunately, the Eagles of Carthage lost two of their key players in goal scorer Dylan Bronn and Syam Ben Youssef.
They set the ball rolling in a second-half where they needed nothing short of a miracle. But, not many outfits can stop Eden Hazard when he's in the mood.
Although Khazri spared their blushes to some extent, the game was largely open, and Roberto Martinez's men could have added three-four more and turn it into a complete embarrassment for Tunisia.
In fact, a striker in Michy Batshuayi had six shots on goal in total, scoring one and missing a couple of sitters.
Let's look at five players who underwent contrasting games:
#5 Best: Thomas Meunier
Probably not the most appealing of players, probably not someone who prints his names on headlines always. But for a fact, Thomas Meunier was outstanding for Belgium in their emphatic win.
He put up an all-round show, providing vital contributions from all departments under him.
Firstly, let's understand the fact that his side wasn't all that disciplined at the back. They lost their markers, placed themselves horribly in set-pieces and were not decisive enough. After Jan Vertonghen, it's Meunier who provided the goods at the back.
He was resolute most of the times, sticking to the high line he maintains and adding flexibility to the attack down the right. The PSG right back covered a lot of ground, worked tirelessly and was safe as a house. He chipped in with clean tackles and clearances.
Now, if spoken about his performance while attacking, he was fantastic. Meunier linked defence to attack very quickly, played fine passes to Hazard, Mertens and Lukaku and whipped a few balls in with venom.
He also mustered a smart assist, drifting inside to the central area of the pitch and then playing a cheeky little through-ball to set Lukaku free.
#4 Worst: Syam Ben Youssef
Syam Ben Youssef had an evening to forget.
He struggled to cope with the movement and flamboyance of the Belgian attack. Not much can be taken away from the fact that Eden Hazard and co. were on a different level at times during the game. But, it all comes down to the basics if analysed closely.
To start off, Ben Youssef was taken to the cleaners by Lukaku, whose strength and physical presence is unparalleled. He didn't get on the right side of the striker, and was always behind him - something that is against the basics.
Next, the 29-year-old fell asleep when he had to track the runs. Obviously, one player can't track the splendid movement that Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco, Kevin De Bruyne and Dries Mertens, but he could have complimented his fellow centre-half and worked out a plan. Neither of them were effective as such.
Lastly, he was not good enough while tackling either. Often too soft and sometimes caught in two minds, the center back succumbed to constant pressure and allowed more to come as the game went on.
Much to his despair, he left the field having picked up an injury.
#3 Best: Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku began the game in fits and starts. On one side, he played in neat passes to his wingers, came off his line to initiate play and did well on an overall note. On the other side, his touch was too heavy, as he missed a couple of half chances.
Soon, all these moments were forgotten when the former Chelsea forward took center stage and put the game to bed. He scored two well-taken goals - one with his left and the other with his right.
Here, one notable point that many would miss out is his clever movement for his first goal. As soon as Hazard picked the ball up in midfield and charged down, Lukaku set off. When the Belgium captain lifted his head up, Lukaku back-pedaled for a second to distract one of the defenders.
He was initially running in between the duo, but then changed his way to leave them clueless. From that position, you knew he was going to make it 2-0.
His second too, was a deft touch, resulting in an intelligent finish with his right foot. A lethal display by the Manchester United forward put him on par with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.
#4 Worst: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef
Was he even present on the pitch? Not many would agree.
Fakhreddine Ben Youssef was deployed at left wing by Nabil Maâloul, but contributed almost nothing for his country.
He was below par in all areas. Starting off with ball control - you don't have a lot of time on the ball when you are up against Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. Unfortunately for him, he was battered by the Spurs duo, especially the latter.
Vertonghen kept it tight on him and disallowed a cross. The Tunisian forward failed to deliver a valuable cross to any teammate waiting in the middle.
He was also poor with the ball at his feet. Neither did he complete a take-on, nor did he dribble past a Belgian defender. Not much service or creativity came from his side.
#1 Best: Eden Hazard
Was he ever in doubt? When there's no stopping Eden Hazard, you know what happens next.
There's nothing this boy cannot do on the football pitch. Right from the very first play of the game, his approach looked purposeful.
Hazard drew fouls, linked up play between players, created clear-cut chances, wriggled past defenders with aplomb ease, ran into empty spaces with the ball, toyed and outfoxed the opposition defence with dummies and flicks, scored two beautiful goals and created one more. Undoubtedly, leading by example.
For the penalty, he cleverly put his body on the line to win a foul, which he did successfully. Then, he gave the goalkeeper the eyes while taking the spot-kick and scored.
Speaking of his second goal, almost the whole of Belgium would have started celebrating once he took the ball on his chest comfortably - such is his certainty.
The little magician was ahead of all other minds on the football pitch.
