In a day that Tunisia has to pick up a win at all possible cost surrendered to an onslaught from the Belgians with Romelu Lukaku and Eden hazard on the thick of things.

 

Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku were simply unplayable at times as the duo combined for four goals inside the opening hour.

 

With less than five minutes into the match and on the clock, Hazard was brought down by Syam Ben Youssef. VAR eventually confirmed the incident took place inside the box before the Chelsea star converted the 13th penalty of the tournament.

 

Roberto Martinez’s side doubled their advantage when Dries Mertens seized on a loose Tunisian pass to put the ball in Lukaku’s path. The Belgian all-time top scorer needed only one touch to slot low past Farouk Ben Mustapha. But Tunisia pulled one back when Wahbi Khazri’s free kick was headed in by Dylan Bronn.

 

Shortly before the break, Thomas Meunier’s superb through-ball gifted Lukaku his fourth goal of the tournament, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally. Hazard then earned his second of the afternoon when Kevin De Bruyne launched a long ball forward, which the captain duly collected and steered past the goalkeeper. He has been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 21 international appearances.

 

Substitute Michy Batshuayi, who replaced Lukaku, created several late chances as the tiring African side struggled to cope with the Belgian threat. The Dortmund forward was rewarded for his persistence with a half-volley strike in the dying minutes, set up by a superb cross from Youri Tielemans.

 

Belgium’s victory ensures England will need only a draw against Panama to ensure progress to the knockout rounds.

 

 

Source: Eurosport; Photo Credit: bbc.co.uk