Classy Belgium too strong for Cyprus
Marouane Fellaini scored twice and Christian Benteke, Eden Hazard and debutant Michy Batshuayi got one each.
• Belgium move above opponents Cyprus with emphatic win in Brussels
• Marouane Fellaini scores in either half for home side
• Christian Benteke and Eden Hazard also on target
• Debutant Michy Batshuayi scores late fifth for Marc Wilmots' unbeaten side
• Next qualifiers: Andorra v Cyprus, Wales v Belgium (12 June)
• Marouane Fellaini scores in either half for home side
• Christian Benteke and Eden Hazard also on target
• Debutant Michy Batshuayi scores late fifth for Marc Wilmots' unbeaten side
• Next qualifiers: Andorra v Cyprus, Wales v Belgium (12 June)
Belgium moved above Cyprus in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group B, collecting three points in Brussels in some comfort.
Marouane Fellaini set Marc Wilmots' team on their way to victory with the opening goal midway through the first half, Christian Benteke making it 2-0 before half-time. Two goals in as many minutes midway through the second period, from Fellaini again and Eden Hazard, wrapped up the win before Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to mark his international debut with a goal.
On top from the first whistle, Belgium came close to an early breakthrough from Hazard's dribble; Kevin De Bruyne's shot was pushed behind by Tasos Kissas. The goalkeeper was helpless on 21 minutes, however, Benteke's header finding its way to the feet of Fellaini, who turned to shoot low and hard into the net.
Belgium were totally dominant and after Hazard had a shot saved, he then delivered the perfect cross from the right side. Benteke was the grateful recipient, rising above the defence to double the score after 35 minutes.
Cyprus needed something to revive their hopes, and came close to halving the deficit early in the second half as Nestor Mytidis' header whistled just past the post. Belgium swiftly reasserted themselves, Fellaini collecting a Toby Alderweireld pass to find the net with a looping shot from the edge of the box.
Sixty seconds later it was 4-0, Hazard crowning a fine personal display by playing a one-two with Axel Witsel and curling the ball perfectly into the right top corner despite having two defenders blocking his path. With Belgium in complete control, Wilmots introduced Batshuayi for his debut, and the 21-year-old Olympique de Marseille forward made it one to remember, scoring with an excellent right-foot effort from just outside the area.
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