Belgium v Republic of Ireland, 18 June 2016

Kick-off: 3:00pm local (2:00pm BST) Assistant referees: Bahattin Duran (Turkey) Tarık Ongun (Turkey) Fourth official: Benoît Bastien (France) Additional assistant referees: Hüseyin Göçek (Turkey) Barış Şimşek (Turkey) Reserve assistant referee: Frédéric Cano (France) Man of the Match: Axel Witsel (Belgium) This fixture was the first meeting between Belgium and Republic of Ireland since they faced each other in November 1997 when Belgium won 2-1 in a home World Cup qualifier. Belgium were now unbeaten in the last seven meetings (won three) dating back to a 3-2 friendly loss in 1966. Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium recorded their first win at Euro 2016 and damaged the Republic of Ireland's chances of reaching the last 16. After a goalless opening half, Lukaku scored the Belgians' first goal at the tournament with a neat finish from the edge of the area. Axel Witsel headed in a second in the 61st minute, before Lukaku sidefooted home after a quick counter. The Republic did not force goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a single save throughout the game. It was Belgium's biggest win at a major tournament since they beat El Salvador 3-0 in the World Cup in Mexico in 1970. 22 years to the day since their famous World Cup win against Italy in USA, it seemed that Ireland would have to repeat that feat in their final group game to extend their interest in Euro 2016.