On paper Belgium vs Tunisia was a mismatch. On the pitch, Belgium vs Tunisia was a mismatch.
Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard scored two goals apiece as the Red Devils routed the Eagles of Carthage 5-2 in Group G action Saturday at the World Cup.
Belgium created chances almost at will. So much so, Tunisia had more possession because every time the Red Devils went forward, the attack ended quickly with an opportunity on goal. That said, the Eagles of Carthage had their chances and looked good going forward at time — they just couldn’t do anything to stop the onslaught of the Belgian stars.
Belgium will be having an electronic dance party tonight.
The scoring was opening in the early minutes when Eden Hazard was taken down on the edge of the box and converted the ensuing penalty in the sixth minute.
#MundialTelemundo @hazardeden10 engaña al arquero y marca su primer gol en Rusia 2018 #BEL 1-0 #TUN pic.twitter.com/L83Qv7o8dh
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
Lukaku made it 2-0 with this powerful, low strike into the far corner.
#MundialTelemundo @RomeluLukaku9 con un zurdazo aumenta su cuota goleadora en Rusia pic.twitter.com/eL0s1Odmzm
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
Tunisia pulled one back two minutes later with a header from Dylan Bronn, who unfortunately had to be subbed out a few minutes later.
#MundialTelemundo Con un certero cabezazo, Dylan Bronn descuenta el marcador para #TUN que cae 1-2 ante #BEL pic.twitter.com/3UhdC1pICC
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
Lukaku then went down in the box and argued against a penalty kick. But he would get back on the score sheet soon nonetheless.
The bulky Manchester United striker tallied his second of the game and fourth of the tournament in the 48th minute, just before the halftime whistle.
#MundialTelemundo @RomeluLukaku9 marca su segundo doblete de Rusia 2018 y ya igualó a @Cristiano en la tabla de goleo. pic.twitter.com/CSnOtcBIe6
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
Lukaku is now tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the Golden Boot lead with four goals.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first, with Belgium scoring six minutes in through Eden Hazard.
#MundialTelemundo @hazardeden10 no se quiso quedar atrás y ya marca su primer doblete en Rusia 2018. #BEL 4-1 #TUN pic.twitter.com/8lAUY0t413
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
It was enough to make one Tunisia player sick.
(Graphic content warning below if you recently ate.)
#MundialTelemundo En #TUN ¿Serán los nervios o tendrá algún malestar? pic.twitter.com/ZjJYkrxUwC
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
After the fourth goal, coach Roberto Martinez took out Lukaku and Hazard but the Red Devils still pounded away at the Tunisian goal. However keeper Farouk Ben Mustapha and the woodwork conspired to keep Belgium off the board for the rest of the match — almost.
In the 90th minute, second-half sub Michy Batshuayi finally found the back of the net with a lovely sliding finish.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Después de muchos intentos, al fin @mbatshuayi marcó su anotación! pic.twitter.com/Qs8rd2Sg2l
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
And yet, the scoring wasn't over. Tunisia ended on a high note with Wahbi Khazri finally breaking through in the 93rd minute.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Justicia! Túnez mereció un gol más y lo consiguió con la pierna de Khazr #BEL 5-2 #TUN pic.twitter.com/tjXqjMgwLq
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018
The 5-2 victory for Belgium vs Tunisia means, barring something crazy from England against Panama, the Red Devils will have the goal differential advantage heading into the final Group G match, so a draw would be enough for them to finish top of the group ahead of the Three Lions.
Now let’s dance.
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