So *this* is why so many people were tipping the Belgians to do big things at the Euros.
Painfully disappointing in their first match against Italy, at half-time in Bordeaux it seemed the Irish were in with a chance against Marc Wilmots' men.
But after a blistering start to the second half, Belgium were out of sight and showing anyone who questioned why they were the highest ranked team in the tournament that they were a team to be reckoned with.
Everton's Romelu Lukaku put them ahead after the restart...
https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/744169472844435460
before an Axel Witsel header doubled the lead a few minutes later...
https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/744172919039811585
And with Ireland searching for a way back in to the game, Belgian finished the job with a blistering counter-attack. Helped by a mistimed tackle from Ciaran Clark, Eden Hazard scampered away down the left before squaring for Lukaku who rolled it into the net.
The game was up 20 minutes before full-time.
https://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/744175462885138432
Ireland will now face group winners Italy in Lille on Wednesday, knowing that a win is imperative if they're to make the last 16.
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