Lukaku, Hazard score twice for rampant Belgium

MOSCOW — The talk of this World Cup has been of Argentina’s mess and that Messi guy, of Russia’s ascent, Mexico’s joy, Brazil’s improving coherence and Germany’s stumble. For a week or so, Belgium had been largely relegated to background noise, but on a steamy Saturday at Spartak Stadium, the Red Devils raised their voice. The message was loud and clear: Do not underestimate us. Two goals in 16 minutes, three by halftime, two more after the break and, honestly, they could have broken double-digits during a 5-2 destruction of Tunisia. In two Group G matches, Belgium has scored eight times, albeit against overmatched opponents. It’s not just the production, but the manner in which the Red Devils have executed it - with a ruthless attack featuring layers of threats. They are carrying themselves like a team that won’t let anything get in their way. They’re having fun and so is the global audience. Whether they’re ready for greater tests in the knockout stage is the big question, as it’s been in other major competitions. “We’re still growing,” coach Roberto Martinez said. “We need to do better. We’re still in a process. Nothing changes.” Nothing has changed in the way the soccer world has looked at Belgium: immensely talented but lacking intangibles. The Red Devils failed to get past the quarterfinals of both the World Cup four years ago and the European Championship two summers back. Since losing to Spain in Martinez’s debut in September 2016, Belgium has gone 21 straight matches without a defeat (16-0-5). Is this its time for a deeper run? Perhaps. Consider the roster: 11 players from the Premier League, including stylish attacker Eden Hazard, bullish striker Romelu Lukaku and immaculate midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. In all, most of the 23-strong squad works year-round in top European leagues. The starting lineup features nine players born between 1989 and 1993 - a so-called golden generation. “We try to keep the ball. We try to play attacking football,” defender Toby Alderweireld said. “We have players who can make a difference. We’ll try to keep this going and improve ourselves as well because it wasn’t perfect. But five goals, we’re very happy.” They are happily atop the group heading into Thursday’s showdown with England in Kaliningrad. Before looking ahead, Martinez said he would let his team enjoy Saturday’s romp - one that took flight early and did not relent, even after Martinez pulled Lukaku and Hazard early in the second half after they had scored two goals apiece. Martinez told reporters after the match that Lukaku had pain in his right ankle and Hazard hurt a calf muscle. With advancement secured, he could opt to rest the stars against England. Michy Batshuayi added the final goal in the waning moments, a deserved honor after getting denied by a goal-line clearing defender, the goalkeeper and crossbar. Never before had Belgium scored five times in a World Cup match (43 overall). There were concerns, however. Tunisia - which in its opener had tested England before falling in stoppage time - exposed gaps in Belgium’s resistance. If Belgium could have scored 10, Tunisia rightly could’ve had four. “For us, it’s getting the right balance on the pitch,” Martinez said. “Talent on its own is not enough.” Nonetheless, he added, “winning is always the best formula to gain confidence.” Belgium went ahead in the sixth minute when defender Syam Ben Youssef crashed into Hazard on the edge of the box. Hazard dusted himself off and converted the penalty. In the 16th, Dries Mertens took the initiative after pouncing on a soft Tunisian pass in midfield and slotted the ball to Lukaku for a 16-yard finish to the far corner. Tunisia answered two minutes later when Dylan Bronn nodded in Wahbi Khazri’s wellplaced free kick to the center of the box. (Khazri scored in the last moments of the match, as well.)