Belgium rout Hungary to reach Euro quarter-finals

By our correspondents
June 28, 2016

TOULOUSE, France: Eden Hazard scored his first goal of Euro 2016 as Belgium cruised into the quarter-finals with a 4-0 win that ended Hungary’s fairytale campaign.

Belgium go into the European Championship quarter-finals for the first time since losing the 1980 final. They were dominant throughout at Stadium de Toulouse after Toby Alderweireld headed them into a 10th minute lead.

The Red Devils wasted a series of great chances to finish the game before Michy Batshuayi, with his first touch as a substitute, Hazard and Yannick Carrasco scored in the last 12 minutes.

Belgium now battle Wales in Lille, near the French-Belgian border, for a place in the semi-finals.

“It’s great, we’re into the quarter-finals after a deserved win,” said Hazard.

“We could have scored more goals, and although their ‘keeper pulled off some great stops, we’re not complaining.

“We’re still dreaming of going further in this competition. Now, we have to rest and prepare ourselves for Friday.”

Hungary impressively won their group but if they struck any fear into Belgian hearts it did not show.

From Kevin De Bruyne’s speculative fourth-minute strike that sailed over Gabor Kiraly’s crossbar, the Red Devils were too hot for a Hungary making their return to a major tournament three decades after the 1986 World Cup.

Almost from kick-off, Kiraly was kept busy as Romelu Lukaku, then De Bruyne, after Hazard’s superb delivery, tested the goalkeeper.

When Adam Lang hauled De Bruyne to the ground on the left flank, the Manchester City forward sent in a superb inswinging free-kick that Alderweireld headed past Kiraly at his back post.

With Belgian nerves settled, Hazard in particular dazzled fans with some mazy runs, dribbles, and sublime passes that carved open the Hungarian defence.

But a lack of clinical finishing left Belgium at risk during an encouraging Hungary fightback in the second half.

Kiraly did well to block De Bruyne’s effort with his feet after he powered on to Lukaku’s sweeping pass behind the Hungarian defence.