Belgium player ratings as Man United's Romelu Lukaku gets a 9 for a starring performance against Costa Rica

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  • Costa Rica started well in their World Cup warm-up game with Belgium but the Red Devils turned up the heat to win 4-1.

    Bryan Ruiz opened the scoring in the 24th minute during a good spell for his side.

    However, Dries Mertens equalised in the 31st minute before Romelu Lukaku gave his side the lead nine minutes later.

    The Manchester United striker was in fine form and struck again five minutes into the second half before setting up Michy Batshuayi in the 64th minute.

    Here’s a look at how the Belgium players fared.

    STARTING XI

    Thibaut Courtois 5 – Not much he could’ve done for the goal. Had a quiet outing otherwise as that was Costa Rica’s only shot on target. Decent with his distribution.

    Toby Alderweireld 6 – Was good on the ball, particularly in the second half when Belgium camped in the opposition’s half.

    Dedryck Boyata 6 – Coped well in the middle of a three-man defence. Impressed with his distribution.

    Jan Vertonghen 5 – His weak headed clearance fell for Ruiz to volley home from the edge of the box.

    Thomas Meunier 5 – Showed great endeavour to venture down that rank flank and produced good delivery. Was replaced at half-time.

    Kevin de Bruyne 7 – Ran the show in the middle of the park and rifled an effort just wide in the second half.

    Axel Witsel 5 – Was sluggish getting back when Costa Rica broke in the first half but threatened with a couple of rasping shots in the second.

    Yannick Carrasco 5 – Was poor defensively and counter-attacks were down his side early on. Supported Eden Hazard well in attack though.

    Dries Mertens 8 – Showed good anticipation to steer home Hazard’s cross-shot for the equaliser. Great cross for Lukaku to score.

    Eden Hazard 8 – Was the chief creative force in the final third. Set up the equaliser and the third goal, producing some classy touches along the way.

    Romelu Lukaku 9 – The perfect number nine performance. Held up play, made great runs, was heavily involved in link-up play, finished his two goals with aplomb and unselfishly squared the ball for Belgium’s third while on a hat-trick. Looked sharp throughout his 65-minute display.

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    SUBS

    Nacer Chadli 7 – Delivery from the right was excellent, assisting Lukaku for his second.

    Michy Batshuayi 7 – Worked well with the other attackers when he came on. Showed good movement and scored as well.

    Thorgan Hazard 6 – Only added to the creativity in the final third when introduced in Lukaku’s stead. Nearly scored a wonderful goal, dancing past a couple of defenders inside the area.

    Leander Dendoncker 5 – Had a comfortable outing after replacing Boyata.

    Moussa Dembele 6 – Was a formidable presence in midfield in the last 20 minutes and tracked Joel Campbell’s run well on one occasion.

    Youri Tielmans 6 – Replaced De Bruyne and made some good forward runs. Showed good mobility.

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