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The Chelsea star ran the show in Toulouse with a sparkling display as Marc Wilmots' men set up a quarter-final match against Wales
Belgium, led by captain Eden Hazard, issued a statement of intent with a 4-0 victory over Hungary, to set up a quarter-final grudge match with Wales.
The Red Devils outclassed their opponents in Toulouse, and were well worth their half-time lead, thanks to Toby Alderweireld's early header.
Belgium missed a host of chances, during the opening 70 minutes, Dries Mertens particularly culpable.
But three goals late on, thanks to substitute Michy Batshuayi, Hazard and another replacement, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, handed Marc Wilmots' side victory.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Eden Hazard coming good at just the right time
The 2014-15 double player of the year in England endured a pretty miserable 2015-16 campaign at Chelsea.
So productive in the campaign previously, the goals and assists dried up, as did the level of his performances; from bewitching defences to looking like he'd had his powers taken away, a modern-day Samson, albeit without the hair.
Only when the season was all but over, did Hazard look anything like his former self.
A stunning goal for the Blues against Spurs both handed Leicester the title and proved that the man who had led Chelsea to the championship 12 months earlier was still capable of being a major player at the highest level; that at 25, with 469 professional competitive games to his name, he has not burned out.
Against the Republic of Ireland, Belgium's stand-in skipper was a difference-maker, twisting the blood of the Irish defence. He did well against Sweden in the final group game as well. Tonight, he showed that if Belgium are to make the most of being in the 'easier' half of the draw, he is likely to be instrumental.
Everything that was good about Wilmots' side came through its captain. He was chief orchestrator, fleet-footed winger and driving midfielder all in one, creating two-vs-ones in dangerous positions with his ability to waltz past opponents and teeing up teammates with clever reverse passes.
Quite simply, it was wonderful to see. However, thanks to a mixture Gabor Kiraly and errant finishing from his teammates, it looked like this would not be the convincing victory for his side.
That was until he took it upon himself to create Belgium's second goal for Michy Batshuayi with a clever knock and run down the left - before applying the perfect cross for the Marseille striker to score with his first touch.
Minutes later, Hazard added the coup de grace himself, with a sublime individual goal.
Much is expected of this crop of players, and none more so than Hazard.
It was little surprise that he left the field to a standing ovation, from Belgian and Hungarian fans alike.
2. Kevin De Bruyne's delivery always gives chances
One of the worst things in football, from a technical standpoint, is when set-piece deliveries fail to beat the first man.
Nothing annoys centre-halves more and little irks supporters more, than a dangerous situation which comes to nothing because the delivery is dismal.
Fortunately for Belgium, they have little such problem with Kevin de Bruynestanding over their set-pieces.
The Manchester City midfielder almost exclusively takes charge of the Red Devils set pieces and it took just 10 minutes in Toulouse to see why.
Having already sent one delicious delivery into the Hungary box, the £54million man whipped a fabulous free kick between Gabor Kiraly and his defence, which simply begged Toby Alderweireld to head into the net.
Without it, Belgium’s bright start would have been for nothing. De Bruyne’s delivery and Alderweireld’s header ensured that Belgium took charge of proceedings.
3. Gabor Kiraly - still got it
Gabor Kiraly is viewed somewhat as a figure of fun.
The veteran Hungarian - the oldest player to ever appear at a Euros - is now into his 41st year and his baggy trousers are always there to be laughed at; not to mention some of his eccentric mannerisms.
But there's a reason that even now, 18 years after his debut for his national side, he remains the No.1. And on the night of his 107th cap (a Hungarian record), he showed precisely why.
As De Bruyne whistled a free-kick goalwards, it looked set for the back of the net. Belgium's No.7 had caught it sweetly, got it over the wall and to all intents and purposes, was about to celebrate.
But Kiraly moved his feet expertly, leapt, and got fingertips to De Bruyne's strike, tipping it onto the crossbar, a truly wondrous save.
Minutes later, he denied Dries Mertens with another fine stop. By half-time it could have been four or five.
On his baggy trousers, Kiraly has declared: "I wear them for comfort. I'm just a goalkeeper, not a top model."
In the opening half in Toulouse, he showed 23 years into his career, he remains more than capable and it was harsh on Kiraly that he picked the ball out of the net on four occasions.
4. Belgium do let opponents stick around
Teams at these finals have found that you can't let opponents stick around.
And the number of late goals has proven that if teams aren't killed off, then chances do arrive in those final throes.
It seems silly to be critical of Belgium after a 4-0 thrashing, but Hungary can feel aggrieved to have not got something for their efforts.
Belgium will let sides get at them. They do give up chances. And that will give potential opponents hope.
5. Devils and Dragons reunion awaits
Victory for Belgium ensured that they will now be pitched into a last eight battle against Wales.
Chris Coleman's men took four points from the Red Devils during qualifying, with Belgium failing to score against the Welsh across 180 minutes.
Over the course of both games, Belgium dominated proceedings, but struggled to produce real chances against a resolute five-man defence, and were punished in Cardiff for their creative failings by Gareth Bale.
In Lille on Friday, Wilmots' side will get the opportunity to put what they see as an injustice right.
They're coming to the boil nicely at this tournament - having put their opening defeat to Italy now firmly in their rear-view - with the coach seemingly having settled on 10 of his best 11, as well as his best formation (4-2-3-1).
Will they get their revenge at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy? They'll believe that a semi-final place is now well within their grasp.
Match Stats — Team Stats
HUNGARYV.BELGIUM
Hungary
- 1G. Kiraly
- 23R. Juhász
- 20R. Guzmics
- 4T. Kadar
- 2A. Lang
- 14G. Lovrencsics
- 10Z. Gera
- 7B. Dzsudzsák
- 16A. Pintér
- 8A. Nagy
- 9Á. Szalai
Substitutes
- 19T. Priskin
- 17N. Nikolic
- 6Á. Elek
- 13D. Böde
- 11K. Németh
- 15L. Kleinheisler
- 5A. Fiola
- 21B. Bese
- 3M. Korhut
- 18Z. Stieber
- 22P. Gulácsi
- 12D. Dibusz
- Coach
- Bernd Storck
Belgium
- 1T. Courtois
- 5J. Vertonghen
- 3T. Vermaelen
- 2T. Alderweireld
- 16T. Meunier
- 6A. Witsel
- 14D. Mertens
- 7K. De Bruyne
- 4R. Nainggolan
- 10E. Hazard
- 9R. Lukaku
Substitutes
- 22M. Batshuayi
- 12S. Mignolet
- 21J. Lukaku
- 15J. Denayer
- 23L. Ciman
- 18C. Kabasele
- 19M. Dembélé
- 20C. Benteke
- 8M. Fellaini
- 13J. Gillet
- 11Y. Carrasco
- 17D. Origi
- Coach
- Marc Wilmots
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