Belgium have set up a quarter final date with Wales after defeating Hungary 4-0 in Toulouse, with goals to Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi, the scintillating Eden Hazard and Yannick Carrasco.
The diminutive Hazard wore down the Hungary defence and his hard work paid off in the final 15 minutes, laying on a brilliant assist for substitute striker Batshuayi before his superb solo goal settled it two minutes later.
Atletico Madrid striker Carrasco added further gloss to an impressive overall display in stoppage time, collecting Kevin De Bruyne’s pass and blasting home.
Hungary’s spirit was commendable throughout, but the Eastern Europeans could not find an answer despite responding well after the break with attacking openings of their own.
For Belgium, it was a case of job done and onto the quarters, where Marc Wilmots’ outfit will be tasked with downing an in-form Wales.
Here’s what we learned.
Euro 2016 is yet to see the best of Eden Hazard
A game-breaking display in the second half put the rest of the competition on notice, as hard-working Hungary were picked apart by the sheer brilliance of the Chelsea winger.
He prodded and tormented in the first period, did his job aptly at both ends of the pitch and was rewarded as his opponents tired late on.
With the game locked at 1-0 and Hungary’s challenge far from blunted, Hazard’s magic opened the game up to the possibility of a late onslaught, something he took full advantage of. The 25-year-old was the clear man of the match, and found Batshuayi unmarked in the six yard area to blast home. But his best moment was yet to come, skipping inside from the left onto his right foot past a few would-be challenges
In all, Hazard stats matched his domineering performance with one goal, one assist, 11 successful dribbles four key passes and a 90% pass completion. While he changed the game completely, his best is yet to come.
Wales, beware.
33 – @DeBruyneKev has been involved in 33 of the 100 international goals Belgium have scored under Marc Wilmots (13 goals, 20 assists). Key.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 26, 2016
Bernd Storck’s Hungary summoned the national spirit of a bygone era
Most pundits tipped the Hungarians to exit at the groups stage due. The football revolution is well underway having undergone heavy investment and a complete overhaul of the national curriculum.
When compared with the Mighty Maygars of the 1950s, the only area this side falls short is the lack of clear star power – a facet that their opponents on the night were spoilt with. However, the country can take solace from the fact that they were not out of this contest until the final 10 minutes. Perhaps on another night, might have cancelled out Alderweireld’s early effort and pushed towards an upset win but allowed too many chances to slip through their fingers.
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