Belgium cruise past Kazakhstan with a 2-0 win

Belgium continues their fine form after they have qualified for the Euro Championship with a 2-0 victory away at Kazakhstan. Michy Batshuayi and Thomas Meunier got on the score sheet to make sure Belgium is on course to maintain a perfect record with an eighth straight win in Group I.

Belgium ranked top according to the FIFA standings were the first to book a place in next year’s 24 team Europa Championship finals when they trashed San Marino 9-0 on Thursday.

Batshuyai opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a smooth back post finish after Dennis Praet’s excellent curled pass around the back of the home defense. The goal was his 16th international goal on his 28th cap for Belgium. The second goal came from a wonderfully cross-field pass from skipper Eden Hazard, hit from just inside the Kazakhstan half over to Meunier, who was running down the right-wing.

His perfect first touch and his excellent finish added the icing on the cake to perfect the score after 53 minutes. It was the 30th goal of the qualifying campaign for Roberto Martinez men who have conceded only one goal so far.

Dries Mertens had a chance to make it 3-0 but headed over the Crossbar at the 65th minute before providing a square pass just minutes later that a full stretch Batshuayi could only steer wide of goal. Kazakhstan remains in fourth place in the group with seven points from eight games.

Russia, who are second on the log, can clinch their place alongside the Belgians at next year’s tournament with a draw in Cyprus later, while Scotland host San Marino with both already unable to qualify automatically from the group.

 
 
Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi