Belgium did what England couldn’t do and made light work of Tunisia in a five-star show on Saturday afternoon.
Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku lit up proceedings at the Spartak Stadium but they were far from the only star performers for Belgium.
While the Red Devils were fairly open at the back, it didn’t matter as quite feasibly they could have scored 10 if not for some profligate finishing.
Check out our ratings below …
BELGIUM (3-4-2-1)
Thibaut Courtois – Belgium had squalls of pressure to deal with but Courtois was only forced into a few routine saves, and could do nothing about Dylan Bronn’s header. 6
Toby Alderweireld – Wonder pass to Hazard, from his own half, sealed the game for Belgium. Distribution from the back is a key asset – will he be able to bypass England too? 8
Dedryck Boyata – Clearly the junior partner in the three-man defence. Looked unsettled at times, particularly in dealing with the lively Anice Badri. 6
Jan Vertonghen – Took a blow to the head in the second half but it was the only time he was dazed by the Tunisians all day. 7
Thomas Meunier – Marauding wing-back was everywhere for the Red Devils – he clamped down his flank and his sumptuous assist for Lukaku’s second was the highlight of a fine attacking performance, too. 8
Kevin De Bruyne – Understated presence with Hazard et al wreaking havoc in front of him – some gorgeous touches however sent many attacks going. Toyed with the Tunisians in the end with a few fancy flicks, before being subbed ready for England on Thursday. 8
Axel Witsel – Does not have the class of a De Bruyne though kept it simple and is an important screen for the defence. Guilty of ball-watching on occasion when Tunisia got in behind. 7
Yannick Carrasco – Did not see as much of the ball down the left as Meunier on the other side but made it count when he did with two chance-creating passes. Bent a wicked shot just wide of the post. 7
Dries Mertens – Played second fiddle to Hazard – before his partner-in-crime went off. Took on the responsibility and set up the wasteful Batshuayi with two glorious chance. Also provided the final pass for Lukaku’s first. 7
Eden Hazard – Endured an injury-hit, up-and-down season with Chelsea but perhaps that’s just kept him fresh for the big one. Won and converted a penalty before rounding the goalkeeper for his second. Not just about the goals, though. Bursting with pretty, incisive passing and defence-stretching dribbles. 9
Romelu Lukaku – Funny how good he looks when his back is not always towards goal – Jose Mourinho, take note. Two super finishes and could have had a hat-trick but for a rare poor touch to De Bruyne’s through ball. 8
SUBS
Maroune Fellaini – Played in a deeper midfield role when Lukaku was brought off and kept the ball ticking over nicely while remaining diligent in defence. 6
Michy Batshuayi – Doesn’t deserve a high grade despite scoring. Found a defender when faced with an opening goal and though Tunisia keeper Farouk Ben Mustapha did well to deny him a further three times, the gulf in class from Lukaku was obvious. 5
Youri Tielemans – On for just five minutes and made the most of it, curling the ball in for Batshuayi who scored – at long last. 7
