Belgium to the fore, Hungary out

Toulouse, June 27

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

Belgium go into the European Championship quarterfinals 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 semifinals. “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 in the last eight, we’re going to Lille and I hope there will be a lot of Belgians to support us. 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. — AFP