Belgium 3-0 Republic of Ireland:Lukaku strike double as Belgium beats Ireland

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium recorded their first win at Euro 2016 Campaign back on track with a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux.

After a goalless opening half, Lukaku scored the Belgium first goal at the tournament with a neat finish from the edge of the area three minutes into the second-half.

Axel Witsel headed in a second in the 61st minute, before Lukaku sidefooted home after a quick counter.

Meanwhile, Belgium need just a point to book their place in the next round when they take on Sweden on the same day in Nice.

Republic of Ireland were forced into one change from the side that drew 1-1 with Sweden with Stephen Ward replacing the injured Jon Walters.

Belgium, who were languishing at the bottom of Group E before kick-off following their opening defeat to Italy, made three changes with Laurent Ciman, Marouane Fellaini and Radja Nainggolan replaced by Thomas Meunier, Mousa Dembele and Yannick Carrasco.

Out of sorts duo Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne kept their places in Marc Wilmots’ starting line-up and it proved to be the right decision with the Manchester City forward back to his best in the early stages.

Belgium, who were languishing at the bottom of Group E before kick-off following their opening defeat to Italy, made three changes with Laurent Ciman, Marouane Fellaini and Radja Nainggolan replaced by Thomas Meunier, Mousa Dembele and Yannick Carrasco.

De Bruyne was involved at every opportunity and his delivery from wide positions was causing Martin O’Neill’s side plenty of problems.

It means Martin O’Neill’s side, who are bottom of their section with one point, will probably have to beat Italy in their final Group E game on Wednesday.

Belgium, are second on three points and next face Sweden.

It was a disappointing performance from the Republic after a promising display in their opening fixture, when they drew 1-1 with Sweden.

Shane Long, operating as a sole striker, found himself isolated for long periods but may feel he should have won a penalty when he was caught by a wild Toby Alderweireld boot inside the Belgium area, just before Lukaku opened the scoring.

Robbie Keane replaced Long with 11 minutes remaining as Ireland looked for some consolation, but it wasn’t to be for O’Neill’s men.

Randolph was forced into action again in the 83rd-minute to deny De Bruyne before substitutes Dries Mertens and Christian Benteke nearly combined for a fourth as Belgium closed out a comfortable victory.

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