Hazard stars in Belgium’s big win
Belgium captain Eden Hazard has produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
Hazard, who has finally burst into life at the tournament after a disappointing club season with Chelsea, set up one goal and scored another as Toby Alderweireld, Michy Batshuayi and Yannick Carrasco each found the back of the net to complete a comfortable victory.
‘‘If he’s feeling good, he’s the best in the world,’’ Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said of Hazard.
‘‘The only thing we might have done better was kill the match off earlier.’’
Belgium dominated the opening stages and took the lead after 10 minutes when Kevin De Bruyne swung an inviting cross into the box where centre back Alderweireld rose at the far post to head past keeper Gabor Kiraly.
Substitute Batshuayi tapped home Hazard’s low cross with 12 minutes remaining shortly after coming on before the Belgium skipper cut inside Hungary’s box and rifled home a superb low strike for the third, with Carrasco grabbing a late fourth.
‘‘It was an almost perfect match,’’ said Hazard.
‘‘We scored early and pressed very high up the field. It was what the fans want and what we call a real football match.
‘‘As a team I feel we were really solid today. We made a lot of chances and didn’t give them too many.’’
Hungary coach Bernd Storck praised Belgium’s performance.
‘‘We’ve never played against such a good team,’’ he said.
The Hungarians, who lost key midfielder Lazlo Kleinheisler to injury in the warm-up, ceded the initiative early as Belgium found space and set the tone for a onesided half.
The win has booked Belgium a quartterfinal clash against Wales in Lille on Saturday.