Romelu Lukaku’s brace either side of Axel Witsel’s goal saw off Republic of Ireland as Belgium got their Euro 2016 challenge back on track with a 3-0 victory.
Belgium had been placed among the favourites heading into the finals, but put in a disappointing display in their Group E opener, going down 2-0 to Italy.
Saturday’s performance in Bordeaux was much more akin to what is expected of a side boasting such fine individual talent and a workmanlike Ireland side struggle to cope.
Marc Wilmots’ men dominated throughout, but it took until the third minute of the second half to break the deadlock when Lukaku – heavily criticised for his lacklustre display against the Italians – finished with aplomb following an assist from the excellent Kevin De Bruyne.
The second goal arrived just after the hour as right-back Thomas Meunier – in as one of three changes – delivered a perfect cross for Witsel to plant a free header beyond Darren Randolph.
And Randolph was then left further exposed as Belgium broke upfield where Eden Hazard squared selflessly for Lukaku, who calmly picked his spot to double his tally.
Victory moves Belgium off the bottom of the group and up to second, leaving them needing only a point against Sweden to qualify, while Ireland will likely require a victory against group winners Italy to have a chance of reaching the last 16.